On the night of 20/21 May 1940, Vickers Wellington Mk.Ic R3152 (KO-J) of RAF 115 squadron was lost, on a combat tactical operation in support of the Allied armies in France, during an attack on the Meusse River Crossing at Dinant, Belguim, and German troop concentrations and transport about 100/150 […]
William Reid was born in Baillieston in Glasgow on 21 December 1921, the son of a blacksmith. He attended Swinton Primary and Coatbridge Secondary School. After training with the RAF in Canada, Reid gained his wings and was commissioned on 19 June 1942 as a pilot officer on probation in […]
When Germany was preparing to invade Britain, their military preparations included the production of a series of military/geographical assessments, showing what might be found by those arriving. This material was to be used in a military evaluation of the regions of the British Isles and considered each from the viewpoint […]
Twin-engine, medium bomber, Avro Manchester 679 L7303 EM-P of RAF 207 Squadron from RAF Waddington took off at 19.30 hours on a mission to attack Düsseldorf, Germany on the night of 27/28 March 1941. At around 22.30 hours, they bombed the target, making two approaches and dropping a stick of […]
Douglas Cameron completed four tours of operations, 122 flight bomber missions over enemy territory as a rear gunner during the Second World War. He flew with three VC recipients and bailed out of two aircraft. Two of those pilots were both awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions when they […]
Battle of Britain pilot, Sergeant Alexander Henry Thom 114075 RAFVR was born in Perth on 29 May 1919. He was educated at Perth Academy and Dundee Technical College; and later trained as a quantity surveyor. Thom was the son of George Thom and his wife, 44 Crieff Road, Perth. Prior […]
Howard Watson was the son of Robert and Margaret Irons Chalmers Watson, Birnam View, Coupar Angus. His father was the Town Clerk of Coupar Angus. Watson was formerly engaged in the Bank of Scotland and enlisted in 1917. Watson died age 18 whilst training with RAF 64 Training Squadron at […]
‘The Mother of Radar’, Margaret Robertson was born in St Catherine’s Road, Perth. Her father, David, was a draughtsman and her mother was employed in Campbell’s Dyeworks. Her father was a partner for a few years, along with Alexander Robertson in the Perth Foundry business, Paul Street, off the Old […]
Kenneth Bruce, author of Where Sky and Summit Meet: Flight over Perthshire – A History: Tales of Pilots, Airfields, Aeronautical Feats, & War (2019) has researched the stories of many of those flew, were born, lived, or trained in Perthshire, including those who served in the air forces during the First and […]
Acting Flight Lieutenant William M Walton from Guildtown, Perthshire, was awarded the DFC (Distinguished Flying Cross) during the Second world War. Walton, the son of Mr and Mrs Edward Walton, Mavisbank, Guildtown was educated at Guildtown School and Balhousie Boys’ School. He was later employed at Newmiln Estates where his father […]
