Survival tale summarised in a few lines
Jock Wilson – survivor of a North Sea crash landing following The Battle of Berlin…
Harrowing details from the war can be found in many forms but sometimes, tragedy can be depicted in a few short lines. The first attack of the Battle of Berlin commenced on the 18/19th November but had little impact due to inclement weather conditions making visibility difficult. The second attack proved to be the most impactful attack on the capital of the entire war.
Jock Wilson records his crew’s tragic experience over two pages in his log book;
“Operation- Berlin- Port outer u/s- combat- FW190-S.O.S sent for 3 ¾ hrs- ditched North Sea- in “J2 type dinghy- 14 hrs- skipper. F/Sgt Atkinson & Rear Gunner Sgt Sweeney drowned”
“Nov 30 Survivors leave 14 days.”
“Posted to C.U. Wratting Common with surviving members of crew for re-crewing 30th Dec- flying as screen at this H.C.U”
Jock Wilson and his crew aboard a Stirling aircraft were detailed to join in the raid on Berlin. Prior to reaching their target the aircraft experienced an oil pressure drop and excessive propeller speed. Sergeant G.A. Atkinson decided to complete their mission and they successfully released their bombs on target and one minute after their estimated time of arrival. The condition of the plane worsened immediately and Jock Wilson relayed an S.O.S call at 21.45 which was picked up at 22.30. The plane was engaged several times by enemy fire and the rear gunner was wounded but managed to shoot down an enemy aircraft. The Flight- Engineer, D.C. Hughes, reported there was only 10 minutes of fuel remaining half way across the North Sea and the Operator was able to accurately record their location.
The Stirling crashed into the North Sea at 00.34. The pilot was trapped in the nose of the plane and went under with the aircraft. The Navigator, W.B. Edwards, got into the dinghy and managed to rescue the Mid-Upper Gunner, R.L. Bouttell, and Jock Wilson. They later picked up the Flight Engineer from his dinghy. The Bomb Aimer, H.J. Friend, entered the submerged aircraft to retrieve a dinghy and was able to hoist a sail after sunrise and attract the attention of an Air-Sea Rescue Hudson. The remaining crew were located and picked up 40 minutes later.
As a survivor of a parachute bail from a disabled aircraft into water, Jock Wilson became a member of the caterpillar club and the goldfish club and received badges for both. These, together with his log book and medals, are offered at our next Medals, Militaria & Country 
Pursuits sale on the 6th December.
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