The son of Mr. William Wilson and Cora Helena of Petrolia, ON.

Laurel enlisted in the RCAF after receiving his preliminary training he graduated with the rank of Pilot Officer in the administration and instructional branch. Stationed at many parts of Canada his last being in Belleville, ON. Eighteen months ago he was chosen for the newly created transport division and after his graduation in this assignment he was promoted to Flying Officer and  attached to the transport command at RCAF HQ at Rockcliffe, ON.

He was home with Mrs. Wilson then living at 107 Victoria Avenue, Chatham  while on leave from Lachine, PQ. CDN 30/07/42.   P/O Wilson had been at RCAF Centralia and would be leaving for a posting at RCAF Trenton, ON. CDN 24/08/42. Three of four brothers enlisted in the armed forces, Robert in the RCAF was reported missing three years ago, Max was also reported  missing also in the RCAF turned out to be a POW in Germany, the fourth brother Len was residing in Windsor.

F/O Laurel came to Chatham and was a member of the Chatham Daily News editorial staff before taking a position as manager with the Thayers Gasoline Co. He married Marion Thain of Toronto and she has been active in war work in Chatham

The CDN 13/09/43 reported that Flying Officer Wilson was reported returning to Belleville, ON after a week end leave at his home on Victoria Ave.

The transport command was responsible for moving of material and equipment across the ocean by aircraft. This would require Laurel to be stationed in eastern Canada assigned to the overseas division with the HQ. in Britain. Wilson duty there was to superintend the loading of planes, observing the priority of all cargoes.  After six months in the UK he was transferred to Gilbralter.

After the success of the North African campaign he assisted in the formation of ferry stations throughout Africa, Algiers and Cairo he was involved in this for six months. A week prior he was to be returned to Gibraltor and later to France to establish a base and from there he expected to leave France by plane about 12 December on his way home for Christmas. It was in this period that he was reported missing.

In March of 1944 now Flying Officer Wilson and stationed at RCAF-Labrador arrived in Chatham to spend a leave at their home on Victoria Ave., Chatham. CDN 29/03/44

The CDN 16/12/44 reported that F/O. Laurel Wilson was missing as a result of air operations 15 December, 1944 also CDN19/12/44(P)

Flt. Lieut. Wilson had three brothers,KIA – Date of Death: 15/12/1944, Service No: C/12659. In B-17 Fortress # 9203 on mail flight went missing between Morocco and Azores. The crew of eight was lost for months.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Supplemental Information

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead, Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 3. Column 4. Memorial: OTTAWA MEMORIAL. Index of Overseas Deaths. They Shall Grow Not Old, CDN16/01/45.

---

Notice something wrong with this record? Or, do you have something to add? Report it using our online form.