Strachan, William Watson
Personal Information
Rank | S/L |
Forename(s) | William Watson |
Surname | Strachan |
Gender | M |
Age | 28 |
Decorations | DFC |
Date of Death | 16-02-1944 |
Next of Kin | Son of James and Jessie Strachan, of Trail, British Columbia, Canada. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Handley Page Halifax III |
Serial Number | LK761 |
Markings | QO- |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Sec. F. Row A. Grave 14. |
Epitaph | EVER REMEMBERED. HE DIED THAT WE MIGHT LIVE |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 2 |
Panel Number | 249 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | J/9863 |
Service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
Group | 6 |
Squadron | 432 (Leaside) |
Trade | Pilot |
Country of Origin | Canada |
Other Memorials
Location | Village Centre, Sutton on the Forest, North Yorkshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone & Metal Sun Dial |
Memorial Text | A memorial to all those who served at RAF East Moor and in particular 415 Sqn RCAF |
Miscellaneous Information
DFC citation published 4 February 1944 in Issue 36368, Page 691 of the London Gazette, just before his death: “This officer has taken part in many attacks against targets in Germany and has displayed commendable skill, courage and determination. One night in January 1944, Squadron Leader Strachan piloted an aircraft which attacked Brunswick. Shortly after the bombs had been released the aircraft was hit by bullets from an enemy fighter. Much damage was sustained but Squadron Leader Strachan skilfully outmanoeuvred the attacker and afterwards flew the damaged aircraft to base. Squadron Leader Strachan is a model captain whose example has inspired all with whom he has flown.” |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1860/20 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/1860/19 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 15-02-1944 |
End Date | 16-02-1944 |
Takeoff Station | East Moor |
Day/Night Raid | Night (63% moon) |
Operation | Training |
Reason for Loss | Lost control and came down NNW of York |