Watkins, William David Gordon "Four-Run"

Date of birth:: September 11th, 1908 (London, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: June 26th, 1965
Service number:: 534190 / 44828
Nationality:: British

Biography

11 March 1929 - 10 March 1933: Gunner in the Royal Artillery (Territorial Army), discharged as Lance Sergeant
26 August 1936: Joined the R.A.F. with the rank of Armourer (AC2)
December 1937: Armourer (AC1)
18 June 1938: Armourer/Air Gunner
3 June 1939: Air Observer
31 December 1939: Acting Sergeant Air Observer
18 March 1940: Sergeant
12 September 1940: Pilot Officer
6 December 1940: Acting Flying Officer
23 June 1941: Acting Flight Lieutenant
12 September 1941: Flying Officer
?: Acting Squadron Leader
5 August 1943: Acting Wing Commander
March 1947: Squadron Leader/Acting Wing Commander
1 January 1950: Wing Commander
1 January 1957: Group Captain

Watkins was the highest ranking British officer held at Stalag Luft 1.

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

RAF Observer Badge

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 149 (East India) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: March 1940

Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 149 (East India) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: June 7th, 1940

Citation:
"Sergeant Watkins was the observer and bomb aimer in an aircraft which carried out an attack on a large convoy of enemy transport one night in May 1940. Five runs were made over the target, at heights between one thousand and fifteenhundred feet and in the face of anti-aircraft fire and continuous searchlight activity. Sergeant Watkins displayed great coolness and determination throughout the operation. He has been engaged in several other raids and has shown conduct in accordance with the highest traditions of the service. His bomb aiming an navigation have materially assisted in the success of the operation in which he has participated."

Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 3 Group, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: September 24th, 1941

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:: December 4th, 1942

"Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal this bomb aimer has participated in many operational sorties. In October, 1942, he took part in an attack on Genoa and made 4 runs over the target area to ensure his bombs would strike their objective. On a previous occasion he was detailed to act as navigator and bomb aimer on a sortie over Hamburg. Despite the terrifically heavy defences, he made 4 runs over the target and obtained 2 excellent photographs. Squadron Leader Watkins always displays great determination to locate and bomb the target. His coolness and courage under fire are outstanding and his devotion to duty has been a high example.’"

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: No. 15 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: November 7th, 1944

"Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has participated in a large number of sorties. He has continued to display the highest standard of skill, courage and leadership, qualities which have been reflected in the efficiency and fine fighting spirit of the squadron he commands. His devotion to duty has been unfailing."