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Colson, William Alfred "Bill"

Date of birth:
January 8th, 1915
Date of death:
December 17th, 1943
Buried on:
Commonwealth War Graves Willesden New Cemetery
Plot: E. Grave: 2342.
Service number:
1475395/141402
Nationality:
British

Biography

Bill was a bomb aimer/navigator. Transferred at some point in 1943 to 97 Squadron, Pathfinders, stationed at Bourn, Cambridgeshire. On 16th December 1943 the squadron took off for Berlin, the fog was already dense. William stood in for the crew's usual bomb aimer in JB119-OF-F Freddy that night. The fog over England worsened and many aircraft crashed trying to find their bases and runways. F Freddy made two attempts to land at Bourn, overshot and crashed on the edge of the airfield, catching fire. William and two others of the crew lost their lives, crashing at 00.45 on 17th December 1943.

Promotions:
January 1943: Flight Sergeant;
January 31st, 1943: Pilot Officer on probation (emergency);
July 31st, 1943: Flying Offcier on probation (war subs.);
?: Flight Lieutenant on probation.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 9 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 18th, 1943

LG 36017/2201
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Sources

Photo