Theobald, Wilfred Murray

Short Stirling

Date of birth:: (Shaldon/Devonshire, Great Britain)
Date of death:: June 12th, 1943
Mentioned on:: Air Forces Memorial Runnymede
Plot: 121.
Service number:: 116418
Nationality:: British

Biography

Wilfred Theobald was the youngest of a family of 2 brothers and 5 sisters.
Before WW2 he farmed in Koemga in South Africa. His father was a tea, rubber and sisal farmer in Borneo and Sumatra before WW2.
On 11 June, 1943 Short Stirling Mk.1 R9286 took off at 23.38 from RAF Oakington on a operation to Munster with on board Wilfred Theobald as navigator. On the return the aircraft encountered technical problems 20 miles off the Norfolk coast.
Search and rescue operations swung into action within half an hour but no trace of the aircraft or crew was ever found.
Flight Lieutenant Theobald is commemmorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Panel 121.

Promotions:
? Leading Aircraft Man
4 April, 1942: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
4 October, 1942: Flying Officer (war sub)

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 7 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: July 9th, 1943

Citation (drafted when he had flown 29 sorties [177 hours]):
"This officer has completed a large number of operational sorties, many of them on Pathfinder duties. His operational record has been characterised by cool courage and accurate navigation in the face of enemy opposition. This officer’s success in his duties has been due to careful and accurate planning and disregard of danger in the execution of his plans. Flight Lieutenant Theobald has displayed courage and determination on all occasions."