Archibald Wilson

Air Marshal Archibald Oliver Garfield Wilson (28 May 19214 July 2014) was a Rhodesian fighter pilot who served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He went on to become a senior commander and then Air Marshal in the Rhodesian Air Force in the 1960s and early 1970s. After retirement, he served two terms in the Rhodesian House of Assembly, in the Zimbabwe-Rhodesian Parliament in 1979, and then in the Zimbabwe Parliament in 1981–1982. He held several cabinet portfolios prior to the Internal Settlement. He resigned in 1982 to emigrate, with his wife Lorna, to Australia's Gold Coast in 1982. He became a citizen of Australia in 1988.

Air force career Wilson joined the Southern Rhodesian Air Force in 1939. After the War he held command positions in Southern Rhodesian Air Force (later the Royal Rhodesian Air Force and the Rhodesian Air Force). From 10 June 1957 to 22 June 1959, he was commanding officer of RRAF Thornhill. Wilson was involved in directing the Rhodesian counter-insurgency operations in Nyasaland, Zambia and Rhodesia.

On 8 February 1969 Wilson was appointed Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Rhodesian Air Force, receiving promotion to the rank of Air vice-marshal. With Rhodesia becoming a republic from 2 March 1970, Wilson oversaw various changes to the force and his role, including new ranks, ensign, roundel, and the renaming of the force from 8 August 1970 as the "Rhodesian Air Force" (RhAF). At the same time his office of Chief of the Air Staff was changed to Commander of the Air Force, and Wilson was promoted to the rank of air marshal. In 1970–71 Wilson was involved in the development of the secret Alcora Exercise military alliance between Rhodesia, South Africa and Portugal. On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the 1947 formation of the Southern Rhodesia Air Force in November 1972, Wilson announced: "Our Air Force will continue to fulfil its role with quiet efficiency and is ready and able to do its duty – come what may."

After 32 years, Wilson retired from Air Force service on 15 April 1973, being the last remaining member of the original Southern Rhodesia Air Force and the last Chief of the Air Staff.

Politics As a member of Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front, Wilson was elected to the House of Assembly as the member for Arundel at the Rhodesian general election in 1974. He retained his seat during the 1977 general election. He is buried with his wife in Tamborine Mountain Cemetery.

Honours Award (Ribbon / Description) Notes 11 November 1970 (OBE; Military Division) NY 1961