Ian Leslie Wilkinson
He entered Nottingham High School in 1929 aged 10. First XV rugby First XI cricket. 1938 Mayor’s Prize for consistent industry in school work. Studied architecture either at Liverpool University.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
He was the youngest son of the late, James Henry Wilkinson an insurance official, and the late Minnie Wilkinson of 17, Trent Boulevard, West Bridgford, Nottingham.
He trained to fly in Canada.
31/1/1944 an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley VLA765 from Whitchurch Heath in Shropshire on training exercise crashed near Hardwick between Dilhorne and Caverswall. Of the 5 man crew only rear gunner Tom Weightman survived.
Enquiry found Wilkinson, the pilot, descended to determine his position and flew into rising ground at 8.30am and caught fire. Weightman walked to a nearby mine to raise the alarm.
Aircraft accident blackspot. 1942-54 there were 5 crashes on the rising ground. Also killed with Wilkinson were:
George Victor Bourne, John Fredwrick Cusworth, Andrew Harkes Robertson
Unknown
Ian Leslie Wilkinson's grave at Nottingham Southern Cemetery (Wilford Hill).
Photo: David Nunn
Ian Leslie Wilkinson's grave inscription at Nottingham Southern Cemetery (Wilford Hill).
Photo: David Nunn
Ian Leslie Wilkinson
Nottingham Evening Post 3/2/1944