In Memory Of

WHEELER, WILLIAM JOHN

Service Details
Age:
 24
Date of Birth:
 1920-01-11
Service No:
 103839V
Rank:
 Major
Unit:
 4 Sqdn.
Regiment:
 South African Air Force
Date of Death:
 1944-01-23
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
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 XII. D. 4.
Cemetery:
 MORO RIVER CANADIAN WAR CEMETERY
Country:
 Italy
Additional Information
Decorations:
 Mentioned in Despatches
Citations:
 LG Sup 2 June 1943 pg. 2460
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.