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Wilkinson, Royce Clifford "Wilkie"

Date of birth:
November 26th, 1913 (Mexborough/Yorkshire, United Kingdom)
Date of death:
1990
Service number:
44125 / 564450
Nationality:
British

Biography

Promotions:
January 1930: Aircraft Apprentice
December 1932: Fitter, Aero Engines
May 15th, 1940: Sergeant (acting Flight Lieutenant)
August 15th, 1940: Flying Officer (WS)
May 15th, 1941: Flying Officer
August 15th, 1941: Flight Lieutenant (WS)
August 21st, 1943: Squadron Leader (WS)
?: Wing Commander

Postings:
1933: RAF Aboukir
1936: Flying course in the UK
May 1937: No. 3 Squadron
October 21st 1940: No. 71 (Eagle) Squadron
May 14th, 1941: No. 121 (Eagle) Squadron
March 3rd, 1942: No. 174 Squadron (shot down on May 3rd, 1942)
August 1st, 1942: No. 1 Squadron
May 30th, 1943: Gravesend Wing
March 1944: HQ 149 Airfield (11 Group)
August 1944: Special Duties in Australia
December 1945: Staff appointment at the Air Ministry
April 1946: Released from active service

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 3 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 31st, 1940
"This airman pilot has shot down five enemy aircraft and has displayed a very fine offensive spirit, coupled with a sense of resolute leadership."

Double award.
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 3 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 31st, 1940
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
"This airman pilot has led his flight on several occasions and once led the whole squadron on an offensive patrol, during which they not only brought down a number of enemy aircraft but returned without loss. He also led an attack on an enemy motor transport column, blowing up an ammunition lorry and setting two petrol tankers on fire, in the face of heavy anti-aircraft fire. He has recently shot down four enemy aircraft bringing his total to nine, and has at all times displayed courage and good leadership."

Double award. Received as a bar on the ribbon of the first medal.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 1 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 6th, 1942
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
1942
Croix de Guerre (1939-1945)
Flying Badge

Sources

Photo