The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. W Wilson

William Wilson joined the RAF in February 1939 as a Boy Entrant. He later remustered as an Airman u/t WOp/AG. After completing his training he joined 235 Squadron at Bircham Newton on 13th July 1940. He flew his first operational sortie on that day, a convoy escort.

On 11th August Wilson was a member of the crew of a Blenheim, one of three from 235, returning after escorting a reconnaissance Blenheim to the French coast. On the return flight they were attacked by two Me109's. One fighter was shot down and the other driven off by concentrated fire from the Blenheim gunners.

In another action on 18th August Wilson was involved in shooting down a Ju87. For these two actions, he was awarded the DFM (gazetted 22nd October 1940).

On 19th November 1940 Wilson's flight went to RAF Aldergrove where it combined with a flight from 236 Squadron to reform 272 Squadron on the 21st.

Wilson flew his first sortie with 272 on 23rd November.

His subsequent service is currently undocumented but as he does not appear in the CWGC casualty list it may be assumed that he survived the war.