Flt/lt John Leslie Wilson

[herkman]

Number 412788

Born 16/4/1917

Joined 20/7/1941

Killed 1/9/1943

Can anyone help with any info particularly in regard to his death and if he is buried.

Thanks guys.

Col

[Dean]

Col,
He served with 77SQN RAF as he is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery. Not sure if this was a BC or FC unit though. All my books are still packed away

[Dean]

Further to my first post Flt Lt J.L. Wilson was the Captain of Halifax JD413 (KN-G) of 77SQN (RAF) in Bomber Command. He was the only Australian member of the crew of 8.

The aircraft took off from Elvington at 2016h for Berlin on the night of 31 Aug-1 Sep 43. It is not known how the aircraft crashed or where it came down however there were three survivors two of whom became POW's. The third survivor, SGT E.J. Wilson (RAF) later died on 4 Sep 43. Five are buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery and the SGT Wilson is buried in Hotton War Cemetery.

[herkman]

Thanks Dean

Had an email in from the 77 Sqdn historian, who has a lot of guff on this one.

I will put all detials up when it comes to hand

Much appreciated

Col

PS hope things are going better for you mate

[Dean]

Things are going much better, Col. Thanks

[herkman]

This story now is emerging as a sadder than usual one.

Will post all when I recieve a reply from Germany.

However Dean it is a ill wind which blows no good. Through my investigations over some time, have met the daughter of the wife of Wilson (she remariied). Jane and I are now an item, might be a first for adf-serials.

Any way Dean it goes to show, that if one door shuts often a better one opens.

Regards to all

Col

[herkman]

This story is mind blowing, have Wilson's half daughter helping me. He was married to her mother.

So much more to come in, and then lets see who will publish the whole story, too big for here.

Been working on this one for a long time.

Looks like we will offer it FOC to the RAAF News and AWM Magazine.

Dean about doors closing and opening, well Jane and I have become an item, feels good.

Dean the unmarked grave at Ipswich, now have a good contact at war graves who is taking interest in Wilson, and wants to help with this guy.

Tried to find it on the site here, but must be too old.

Can you give me the graves location

Thanks

Col


Thanks

Col

[Dean]

Col,
The Unknown Australian Airman's grave is located in the War Graves Section at Lutwyche Cemetery.

Can you send me your email address again? Thanks

[herkman]

herkman@bigpond.com

Do you know the row plot numbers please.

Thanks

Col

[Dean]

off hand no I don't but I'll get back to you on that soon

[herkman]

The story pf John Leslie Wilson is complete.

Have been asked by the last survivor of the crash, to thank Gordon for his fine artwork on the airplane Halifax KD413.

I have a complete file on the matter, which I will scan onto CD.

If you want a copy sing out, should be readt next week.

Dean have you heard anything from French, I may have to send him a rocket, or go to the Minister. Is Shepard retiring.

Thanks

Col

[Dean]

nothing heard at all.

[gordon]

Yes Col I'd like a copy when it is ready.

Gordon (the good looking one, as distinct from Gordy "I can always give u an answer") :D

[herkman]

Should be on its way early next week.

Regards

Col

[gordon]

Thanks Col. Do u want anything to cover the media and postage?

Gordon

[herkman]

No I will juat run extra copies.

It will be OK

regards

Col

[herkman]

Can the two Gordons, please send me tyour snail mail addresses so I can get Wilson on his way to you.

herkman@bigpond.com

Thanks

Col

[gordon]

Thanks Gordy! :D

Truth be known I'd rather be in your position - bugger the respect.... ;)

Gordon

ps. Nice colour side view of the Halifax. Does it have any Aussie connections? Or did u just come across a photo of the beast?