Derek Robertson Posted 20 May , 2004 Share Posted 20 May , 2004 Does anyone have any information on Lt John George Will who was killed in action on 25th March 1917 and is commemorated on the Flying Services Memorial at Arras? He was a famous pre-war rugby internationalist and a son of Dr and Mrs Will of Bethnal House, Cambridge Road, London. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 20 May , 2004 Share Posted 20 May , 2004 Derek I've been collecting information on Rugby Internationals who served in the War for some time. Here's what I have on John Will: Will, John George Scotland Internationals: 7: 1912 F+ (1t) W- (1t) I- (1t) E+ ; 1914 W- I- E- (2t) John Will was born on 2 September 1892, son of Dr and Mrs Will. Played as a Wing for: Merchant Taylors’ School, Old Merchant Taylors, Cambridge University (Blue 1911-1913) Profession: ? Remarks: He was one of the six members of the last pre-War Scottish team who were killed in action. War service: Lieutenant, Leinster Regiment, [wounded] and General List, attached to No 29 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. At 0825 hrs on 25 March 1917, Lt Will took off from Le Hameau aerodrome in Nieuport 17 No A6751 on an escort mission in company with another No 29 Squadron aircraft. The other pilot had to return to the aerodrome with revolution counter problems; he then changed aircraft and returned to the front, but failed to find Will, who did not return. He is commemorated on the Arras Flying Services Memorial, Pas de Calais, France [Addenda Panel]. He is not listed in 'The Sky Their Battlefield' as his loss was not directly attributed to enemy action. I hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Pete Wood Posted 20 May , 2004 Share Posted 20 May , 2004 Would A6751 be 29 Sqn's first Nieuport Scout to be lost....?? The Squadron was still using DH2's in March, and was just changing over from 'pushers' to 'tractors'. I am assuming that Will may not have been familiar with this type - as it was so new to the squadron.....?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 20 May , 2004 Share Posted 20 May , 2004 RT A6751 probably wasn't the first N.17 to be lost from No 29 Sqn. 2Lt Christopher Guy Gilbert, flying A6689, was shot down over Tilloy by Oblt Manfred von Richthofen of Jasta 11 at 0820 on 25 March, ie five minutes before Lt Will left the aerodrome. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dolphin Posted 20 May , 2004 Share Posted 20 May , 2004 A pre-War photograph of Lt J G Will is below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Robertson Posted 20 May , 2004 Author Share Posted 20 May , 2004 Dolphin, That is superb, thank you very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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