Robert Early Willson Jr.

Pilot Officer Robert Early Willson Jr. — An American Eagle with 79 Squadron

Robert Early Willson Jr.

The next American to be laid to rest at St. Hilary, Killay, following the burial of Pilot Officer Glen Lewis Coats, was Pilot Officer Robert Early Willson Jr., of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 79 Squadron. He was killed on 26^th September 1941, aged 22.

Early Life

Robert Early Willson Jr.
birth certificate

Robert was born in 1919 in Texas, the first child of Robert Early and Dolcie Powell Willson. 

1920 United States Federal Census

At the time of the 1920 United States Federal Census, the young family was living in Stephenville, Erath County, Texas, where Early worked as an accountant. Robert grew up in a comfortable home, and in 1922, his sister Rebecca was born, completing the family.

1930 United States Federal Census

By the 1930 United States Federal Census, the Willsons had moved to Anconia Avenue, San Antonio. Early, then 35, was employed as a shipping broker, while Dolcie, aged 32, kept house. Robert, aged 10, and Rebecca, aged 8, were raised in a household that included two live-in servants, Lena and Martha Rodriguez, reflecting the family’s established position in the community.

1940 United States Federal Census

The 1940 United States Federal Census records the family at 202 Furr Drive, San Antonio, in a well-to-do residential neighbourhood. Early, now recorded under his given name Robert, was 45 and working as a broker, while Dolcie was 42. Robert, by then 20, and his sister Rebecca, 18, had both completed their first year of college.

Robert Early Willson

Robert was educated at Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, a striking Art Deco-style school building that had been newly constructed in the late 1920s. He later enrolled in college, though his restless ambition led him to leave and pursue new opportunities. Moving to New York, he studied photography for a time, but his true passion was flying. From his first flight as a passenger, through flying lessons and eventually the purchase of his own plane, Robert discovered a calling in aviation that would guide the course of his short life.

Military Service

Draft Card

Robert enlisted on 16^th October 1940. His draft card was later marked Cancelled — Deceased following his death in September 1941.

Between 1940 and 1941, many young Americans volunteered to join the RAF, forming the famous Eagle Squadrons.

The Eagle Squadrons were formed between September 1940 and June 1941, with three units — Nos. 71, 121, and 133 Squadrons. Though technically RAF squadrons, they were largely manned by American volunteers, many of whom had defied their country’s official policy of neutrality to serve Britain in its darkest hour. In all, 244 Americans flew as Eagle pilots, supported by 16 British officers who acted as squadron or flight commanders.

The Squadrons saw heavy combat. They flew Hurricanes and later Spitfires, participating in fighter sweeps across occupied France, bomber escorts, and defensive patrols over the Channel. Their reputation quickly grew, both in Britain and back home in the United States, where their exploits were closely followed in the press.

By September 1942, the Eagle Squadrons were transferred to the United States Army Air Forces and became the 4^th Fighter Group of the 8^th Air Force. By that time, however, many of the original volunteers had been killed in action.

Robert Willson was one of these early pioneers — a Texan who joined the RAF not in one of the three Eagle Squadrons themselves, but with No. 79 Squadron, which had just arrived at RAF Fairwood Common in South Wales, arriving on 15^th June 1941. As part of the wider community of Eagle pilots, he shared their spirit of adventure, courage, and defiance of isolationism. His service placed him within this extraordinary story of international solidarity.

Final Flight

Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB

On 26^th September 1941, Robert took off from Fairwood in a Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB for a practice dogfight over Margam, alongside two fellow pilots. After the exercise, the flight turned for home.

As they encountered thick clouds, Robert became separated and lost his bearings. Flying north-east at 10,000 feet, he descended through cloud cover to avoid high ground near the Cwmafan Valley. Emerging above Treherbert, he attempted to climb but failed to apply enough throttle, stalling his engine.

The Hurricane struck the side of the valley and exploded, scattering debris across the road and surrounding hillsides. A local constable rushed to the scene but found there was no hope of saving the young pilot. He remained on guard until the RAF authorities arrived.

Death and Burial

Report Of The Death Of An American Citizen

The Report of the Death of an American Citizen records Robert’s tragic accident. On 28^th September 1941, his draft card was officially marked deceased.

His body was laid to rest at St. Hilary, Killay, joining that of his fellow American, Glen Lewis Coats, who had been buried there just days earlier.

Legacy

Robert Early Willson
St. Hillary Church, Killay
credit - findagrave

Pilot Officer Robert Early Willson Jr. was one of the American Eagles who crossed the Atlantic to fight for freedom before his own country entered the war. His story is marked by courage, youthful promise, and sacrifice.

Though far from his Texas home, he rests in the quiet churchyard of St. Hilary, where his grave stands as a reminder of the international bonds of friendship and sacrifice forged in the Second World War. His epitaph, calling him OF SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS. “A TEXAS PIONEER”, reflects both his heritage and the pioneering spirit of the American volunteers who served with the RAF.