Backs, William Henry
Personal Information
Rank | F/S |
Forename(s) | William Henry |
Surname | Backs |
Gender | M |
Age | 21 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 01-10-1942 |
Next of Kin | Son of Harry and Margaret Backs of Strathmore, Alberta, Canada |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Vickers Wellington IC |
Serial Number | T2747 |
Markings |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Cottesmore (St. Nicholas) Churchyard Extension |
Grave Reference | Compt. 15. Grave 20. |
Epitaph |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 1 |
Panel Number | 4 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | R/92595 |
Service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
Group | 92 |
Squadron | 14 OTU |
Trade | Air Gunner |
Country of Origin | Canada |
Other Memorials
Location | Church of St. Nicholas, Cottesmore, Rutland |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Tablet |
Memorial Text | This chapel is dedicated to the memory of the officers and men of the British and American forces stationed at Cottesmore who gave their lives for freedom, 1939-1945, The way of life goeth upward. |
Miscellaneous Information
William was born on 25 July 1921 in Strathmore, Alberta. His father, Harry was a farmer who was born in Holland and his mother Margaret (Schaufele) also born Holland. He attended Berta Vale school from 1927 to 1937 and then Berta Vale High School from 1937 to 1938. William worked for W R Ronn, a Commercial Tyre dealer, W H Annis, a Purity Centre Service Station Operator, and T S Hughes of Strathmore, Alberta, a Ford Garage owner. |
He enlisted on 15 Feb 1941 and after training, embarked for England on 13 September 1941. After arrival in the U.K. he was at 3 PRC on 26 December 1941 then 7 Air Gunnery School, July 1942 and 14 OTU on 25 August 1942 |
The sports he enjoyed were hockey, soft ball, rugby, football and swimming. |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 30-09-1942 |
End Date | 30-09-1942 |
Takeoff Station | Cottesmore |
Day/Night Raid | Day |
Operation | Training |
Reason for Loss | Hit the ground while flying in low cloud, near Market Overton, 5 Miles NE of Oakham. William died in the Station sick headquarters, RAF Cottesmore. |