Name: |
WHEELER |
Given Name: |
WILLIAM JOHN |
Initials: |
W J |
Service No: |
103839V |
Trade: |
Pilot |
Rank: |
MajorOther Casualties of this Rank |
Regiment: |
South African Air Force |
Unit: |
4 Sqdn.Other Casualties from this Unit |
Date of Death: |
1944-01-23Other Casualties on this
Date |
Date of Birth: |
1920-01-11 |
Age: |
24 |
Cause of Death: |
Killed in action, hit by flak near Pescara, in Supermarine Spitfire Mk VC #ES292. His wingman reported that the aircraft was trailing Glycol (engine coolant). To which he turned the aircraft back towards the coast and prepared to bale out. The aircraft went into a dive and after a short while was seen to exit, his parachute did not open properly and fell to his death. The Germans recovered his body and buried him in the local cemetery, which was later pointed out by locals to the searcher party |
Decorations: |
Mentioned in Despatches |
Citations: |
LG Sup 2 June 1943 pg. 2460 |
Additional
Information: |
Son of John Roux and Elizabeth Catharina Johanna Wheeler, of Johannesburg, Transvaal, South Africa. Born Witbank. Worked as clerk with South African Railways and Harbours. Matriculated at Forest High School Johannesburg, Head prefect 1938, Volunteered for the SAAF and pilot training in 1940. |
This information was last verified for accuracy: 2017-09-06
