Robert Early Willson Jr.
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| Robert Early Willson |
Pilot Officer Robert Early Willson, who also served with the
79 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed 26th
September 1941, aged 22 years. Robert
was the son of Robert Early and Dolcie Powell Willson, of San Antonio, Texas,
USA. His headstone bears the personal
inscription – OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. “A TEXAS PIONEER”
The 79 Squadron was the first squadron that was based at RAF
Fairwood arriving at the base the day before it was completed on the 15th
of June 1941. The squadron was equipped
with Hawker Hurricane aircraft, which was followed in June of that year,
by the 600 Squadron were night fighter squadron and was equipped with Bristol
Beaufighter aircraft by the end of June the No.317 Polish Fighter Squadron
arrived at Fairwood.
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| Robert Early Willson Jr. birth certificate |
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| 1920 United States Federal Census |
Robert was born in 1919, and by the time of the 1920 United States Federal Census, Robert was the first child of Early and Dolcie. The family resides in Stephenville, Erath, Texas. Early’s occupation is recorded as an accountant.
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| 1930 United States Federal Census |
By the time of the 1930 United States Federal Census, Robert is now 10 years old. The family resides in Anconia Avenue, San Antonio. Early, who is 35, his occupation is recorded as a Shipping Broker. Dolcie is 32 years old. They have a younger child, Rebecca, 8. Also present are two servants, Lena and Martha Rodriguez.
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| 1940 United States Federal Census |
The last of the census that Robert is recorded on is the 1940 United States Federal Census. The family is residing at 202 Furr Drive, San Antonio. Early, who is using his christian name Robert is 45, and his occupation is recorded as Broker. Dolcie is 42 years. Both Robert, 20, and Rebecca, 18 have completed their 1st year of college.
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| Robert Early Willson |
Robert attended the Thomas Jefferson High School.
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| Draft Card |
Robert enlisted on 16th October 1940, where his
Draft Card was crossed out Cancelled Deceased on 28th September
1941.
Between September 1940 and June 1941, three Eagle Squadrons
were formed. In September 1942,
they were turned over to the 8th Air Force of the USAAF and became
the 4th fighter group. Of the
thousands that volunteered 244 Americans served with the Eagle squadrons, along
with 16 Britons who served squadron and flight commanders. Robert was one of the 244 ‘Eagle’ pilots, who
served with the RAF and with 79 Squadron. Before joining the RAF, Robert went to college
only to drop out, and move to New York, where he studied photography. It’s the threat of his love for flying, from
the first flight as a passenger to flying lessons to purchasing a plane
and the eventual decision to join the RAF.
Having joined the 79 Squadron Robert saw action in the Battles
of France and Britain
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| Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB |
On the 26th of September 1941, taking off from Fairwood, Robert flew a Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB, to practice dog fighting over Margam with two others, with the practice over they made their way home.
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| Report Of The Death Of An American Citizen |
The alarm was raised in the town of Treherbert, where the
local constable arrived at the scene, and saw there that there was no hope
for the pilot. All he could do was stand
guard until the authorities arrived.
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| Robert Early Willson St. Hillary credit - findagrave |
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