Died of acute pneumonia in Mukaishima Prisoner of War Camp, Hiroshima, Japan. Ashes interred in Scotland after being cremated in Japan. This is thought to be the only instance of the ashes of a British serviceman having been sent back from Japan. His popularity in the PoW camp was said to result from his happy disposition and musical abilities and the Japanese prison officers allowed him a roving brief in the camp to help maitain morale for both prisoner and guards alike. Both Japanese and American doctors did all they could to save him. See newspaper cuttings for more detail. |
William was on the strength of 100 Squadron during its time at Selatar, Singapore and like most of its number, ultiamely became a prisoner of war. Number 100 Squadron reformed in UK under Bomber Command during his incarceration (December 1942). Arguably, William was never on the strength of Bomber Command but since IBCC is aware that CWGC quite correctly attribute his loss to 100 Squadron, his entry is maintained in this Losses Database to provide a means of explaining what otherwise may appear to be an anomolous entry. |
William was a clerk in civilian life employed in the local Glen Grant whisky distillery. |