Laurence Wilmot
Laurence Aubrey Wilmot | |
|---|---|
 Wilmot (centre) | |
| Born | 31 May 1914 Pretoria |
| Died | 13 December 1947 (aged 33) Waterkloof AFB, Pretoria |
| Service | South African Air Force |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Service number | P102596V |
| Battles / wars |
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| Awards | |
Laurence 'Laurie' Wilmot (31 May 1914 – 13 December 1947) was a South African flying ace of World War II, credited with 4 'kills'.[1]
He joined the South African Air Force and in 1940 took command of 3 Squadron SAAF but soon moved to 1 Squadron SAAF, fighting in Eritrea. He was shot down in February 1941 and was captured. He was a POW until Eritrea fell to the Allies in April 1941.[2] He returned to command 1 Squadron, who were in Egypt, on 30 June 1941. In November 1941 was appointed Commanding Officer of 2 Squadron, flying Tomahawks. He was awarded the DFC in December 1941. He was then posted to South Africa until June 1943. He was then posted to 322 Wing followed by 239 Wing. He was awarded a DSO in August 1944.[1]
After the war he commanded 7 Wing from July 1946.[1]
He was killed in an aircraft accident on 26 June 1947.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Shores, C; Williams C (15 July 2008). Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8.
- ^ "SOUTH AFRICAN AIR ACES OF WORLD WAR II - No 10 - South African Military History Society". samilitaryhistory.org.
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- 1914 births
- 1947 deaths
- Aviators killed in aviation accidents or incidents in South Africa
- Companions of the Distinguished Service Order
- South African recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
- South African World War II flying aces
- Victims of aviation accidents or incidents in 1947
- South African military personnel stubs