Alan Wilkinson

Lieutenant Colonel Alan Machin Wilkinson (21 November 1891 – June 1972) was a British First World War flying ace credited with nineteen aerial victories. He was one of only about 25 pilots twice awarded the DSO during the war, five of whom were also holders of the Victoria Cross.

Early life and education Wilkinson was born in Eastbourne, Sussex, the son of a civil engineer. Wilkinson then trained as a pilot, and was granted Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate No. 1398 after soloing a Maurice Farman biplane at the Military School at Farnborough on 4 July 1915. He was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps and appointed a flying officer on 8 September 1915.

Wilkinson was posted to No. 24 Squadron RFC, under the command of Major Lanoe Hawker, He gained his first aerial victories early on 16 May 1916, driving down two enemy aircraft within half an hour. He accounted for two more on 17 June, and another the following day, to bring his score to five and making him an 'ace'. He drove down his sixth on 19 July, then another four between 21 and 31 August to bring his total to ten, For at least some of the time Wilkinson had an additional Lewis gun fitted to his aircraft, DH.2 No.5966, known as "Wilkie's Bus", until ordered to remove it.

Wilkinson also received a "mention in despatches" from General Sir Douglas Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in France, on 13 November 1916. He was posted back to England and served as an instructor at the Central Flying School from 2 December 1916 until 12 January 1917, and also found time to marry Miss Lina Shell at St. Barnabas Church, Kensington, on 16 December 1916.

He then returned to France to serve in No. 48 Squadron RFC, flying the newly-introduced Bristol F.2a two-seater fighter. Despite heavy British losses during "Bloody April" Wilkinson gained further victories, driving down a fighter on 5 April, and on 9 April 1917 claimed six aircraft, though he was credited with only four. Another victory followed on the 12th, then two on the 13th, and finally his nineteenth and last on 22 April.

On 10 May 1917 Wilkinson was appointed a squadron commander with the temporary rank of major, and on 31 May he was promoted to captain. He served as the Officer Commanding of No. 23 Squadron RFC, flying the SPAD S.VII, until the end of August when he was hospitalised with appendicitis. He received his second "mention in despatches" on 11 December 1917, but soon afterwards was diagnosed with "neurasthenia" and commanded one of the RAF's Schools of Aerial Fighting. He eventually relinquished his commission as a captain in the Hampshire Regiment on 30 September 1921.

List of aerial victories +Combat record On 23 July he was confirmed in his appointment and promoted to flying officer. He received his third "mention in despatches" on 17 March 1941, by which time he was an acting squadron leader, and served as Officer Commanding RAF West Malling from March to June 1941, and of RAF Martlesham Heath from June 1941 to November 1942. Wilkinson resigned his commission on 4 August 1944, and was permitted to retain the rank of wing commander.

Wilkinson died in Maidstone, Kent in June 1972.