Son of William E. and Cora Helena Wilson, of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada. Brother of Flt. Lieut William Laurel Wilson C12659 M. C. a Pilot Officer in the RCAF, Leonard of Windsor and Max Wilson. Prior to the war Robert played hockey for the Chatham Maroons. He was educated in Petrolia High School.

Prior to the war Robert was a star left wing hockey player for the Chatham Maroons. He was distinguished “as a young man of physical prowess and kean sportsmanship. When not playing for the Maroons he was employed at the Canada and Dominion Sugar Co. in Chatham. CDN 25/04/42 (P)

Robert enlisted in the RCAF in early October of 1940. After training at a number of stations he was ready for a posting overseas and crossed the Atlantic as a navigator in the Ferry Command (they flew new aircraft from Canada to England.

His brother Laurel of Chatham had received letters indicating that Robert was “seeing a lot of flying”, prior to his final flight.

While flying in Happden aircraft # AW 237 it failed to return from a night mine-laying operation also in that crew, Sgt.s E. A. Corderoy (RAF), A. J. McGregor (RNZAF) J. H. Daughney AG. RCAF, there is no known grave for any of the crew. Robert was reported as MIA in the CDN 25/04/42.

Official word was received by Robert’s parents in Petrolia that their son was a “war casualty”, he had been missing in action since April  and was presumed to be dead.  CDN 12/12/42(P)

Age: 26 KIA, Date of Death: 22/04/1942.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources	IODE., CDN16/01/45.
Supplemental Information	Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 107. Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL. (No Known Grave)

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