Alan Wilkinson (aviator)

Alan Machin Wilkinson
Born 21 November 1891
Eastbourne, Sussex, England
Died Unknown
Allegiance England
Service/branch Aviation
Rank Lieutenant colonel
Unit No. 23 Squadron RFC, No. 24 Squadron RFC, No. 48 Squadron RFC
Awards Distinguished Service Order with Bar

Lieutenant Colonel Alan Machin Wilkinson (born 21 November 1891, date of death unknown) became a flying ace early in World War I.

Contents

Early life and service

Alan Wilkinson graduated from the University of Oxford and served with the Hampshire Regiment before joining the Royal Flying Corps.[1] He became one of 24 Squadron's first aces.

Aerial success

He gained the first of his 19 victories while flying an Airco D.H.2, beginning with two wins on 16 May 1916. He scored regularly, and closed out his time with No. 24 Squadron RFC with his ninth and tenth triumphs on 31 August 1916. After being assigned to a Bristol F.2 Fighter unit, No. 48 Squadron RFC, Wilkinson reopened his victory list on 5 April 1917. He was credited with nine more victories in the next 17 days, including a pair of double victories on 9 April.[2]

Military honors

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Lt. (temp. Capt.) Alan Machin Wilkinson, Hamps. R. and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and skill. He has shown great dash in attacking enemy machines, and, up to the end of August, he had accounted for five. On one occasion while fighting a hostile machine he was attacked from behind, but out-manoeuvred the enemy and shot him down. Finally he got back, his machine much damaged by machine gun fire.[3]

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Bar Lt. (temp. Capt.) Allan Machin Wilkinson, D.S.O., Hamp. R., and R.F.C.

For great skill and gallantry. He came down to a low altitude and destroyed a hostile scout which was attacking one of our machines, the pilot of which had been wounded, thereby saving it. In one day he shot down and destroyed six hostile machines. He has destroyed eight hostile machines during the past ten days and has displayed exceptional skill and gallantry in leading offensive patrols.[4]

Sources of information

  1. ^ Pusher Aces of World War 1. p. 94. 
  2. ^ http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/wilkinson.php Retrieved on 16 August 2010.
  3. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 20 October 1916) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29793/supplements/10173 Retrieved on 16 August 2010.
  4. ^ (Supplement to the London Gazette, 26 May 1917) http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/30095/supplements/5177 Retrieved on 16 August 2010.

References