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Macrae, William John

Date of birth:
1915 (Regina/Saskatchewan,Canada)
Date of death:
March 8th, 1940
Buried on:
Brookwood Military Cemetery
Plot: 5. Row: L. Grave: 3.
Service number:
39089
Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

William Macrae obtained his flying license at the Regina Flying Club and sailed for England in 1936 where he joined the RAF and received a short service commission.
After receiving his wings he was posted to No. 149 Squadron.
Macrae took part in the Battle of Heligoland Bight (bombing of Wilhelmshaven) early September 1939.
On 8 March, 1940 he was flying Wellington IA N3017 to RAF Honington but crashed shortly after taking off from Weybridge, Surrey. The aircraft was totally destroyed by fire killing the entire crew.
His death was published in the Regina local paper as he was the first Regina casualty of WW2.

Promotions:
31 August, 1936: Acting Pilot Officer on Probation
6 July, 1937: Pilot Officer
6 January, 1939: Flying Officer

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flying Officer
Unit:
No. 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
February 20th, 1940

The award was for exceptionally gallant daring in the performance of duty over an extended period not simply on one occasion but on many occasions.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo