C/O 487 Squadron 1943-1944

[PennfieldParish]

I am looking for the full name and service number for W/C A.G. Wilson who was the commanding officer of 487 Squadron from May 1943-February 1944.

Thanks in advance.

Christian

[COL BRUGGY]

Hello Christian,

70831 A/W/C (Pilot) Alan Gatenby WILSON DFC RAFO

For more, see:

http://www.unithistories.com/officers/RAF_officers_W01.html

Can't access LG at the moment.

Col.

[PennfieldParish]

Thanks Col. Greatly Appreciated! I can access the LG now that I have his service no.

One additional question. In July 1938 Wilson was granted a short service commission. What is this exactly?

Thanks,
Christian

[malcolm_raf]

Hi Christian

Short Service Commissions were introduced by Trenchard in the early days of the RAF and were a way of boosting the number of pilots without blocking the career prospects of Permanent officers.

A SSC was usually for five years with a further four being served on the reserve. It also enabled the RAF to build up a large reserve of trained pilots to call upon in an emergency.

Malcolm

[Mikkel Plannthin]

Wg Cdr Alan Gatenby Wilson became CO of 21 Squadron on 4 April 1945.

Mikkel