William Penman

William Penman (12 May 1917 – 3 October 1943) was a Scotland international rugby union player. He was killed in World War II when he, serving as a captain of a Lancaster bomber, was shot down over Kassel.

Rugby Union career

Amateur career

He was educated at the Royal High School of Edinburgh and then played for Royal HSFP.

He played for United Services.

Provincial career

He played for the Scottish selector F. J. C. Moffat's XV against Watsonians in 1938. This was an annual match against Watsonians and looked on as an unofficial trial match.

He played for East of Scotland District against West of Scotland District on 23 December 1939.

International career

He was capped once for in 1939, in a match against Ireland.

He played 3 times for the Barbarians, all in 1939.

Military career

He was a Wing Commander in the 61st squadron of the RAF.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Force Cross.

Death

He was shot down in a night raid. His Lancaster bomber crashed at Rothwesten, north east of Kassel.

He is commemorated at Hanover War Cemetery.

On his death, his widow was left with a 10 month old daughter.