Details:
14 March 1957 - F/O WB Wilson
Comments from Don Norrie:
F/O WB Wilson was a pilot with 421 Squadron at 2 (F) Wing, Grostenquin France. He was killed when his aircraft (Sabre #23516) dove to the ground from 25,000 feet near Weisbaden West Germany. He ejected but did not survive.
The recreation centre in 2 (F) Wing was named in his honour.
Extracts from 61 AC&W Squadron Historical Narrative:
Date and Type of Aircraft: 14 March 1957 - F-86 MK6
Aircraft Call Sign: Horseman Zulu Papa 3
Position: JF0816
Nature of Emergency: Runaway trim
Action Taken: Air Rescue alerted and scrambled. Horseman Zulu Papa 4, 2, and 1 search area. No joy. Crash reported in by civil sources to 12AF. Pilot killed.
Extracts from Historical Report:
14 March 1957 - F/O WB Wilson on Zulu with 421 Squadron declared emergency at 1500Z near Weisbaden. Aircraft crashed shortly after. Fatal accident.
15 March 1957 - Station busy preparing for the funeral of the late F/O WB Wilson to be held on 18 March. C-47 is going to 3 Wing with members of Board of Inquiry for F/O Wilson's accident.
18 March 1957 - Funeral for F/O Bill Wilson held at 0900 hours in the Protestant Chapel. Church was filled. As body was being marched off the station, 421 (F) Squadron did a 4 plane fly past paying their last respects to Bill. 430 Squadron did Zulu for 421 Squadron today because of funeral.
Grave marker photos courtesy of Malcolm Cromarty - February 2001