LAC, John Wilkie Walker, RAF, 30th Apr,1920

[RFT]

Remembering the Eleventh of 47 Squadron's South Russia Casualties.

 

100 Years ago today, 30th Apr, 1920.

Remembering 130334, LAC, John Wilkie Walker, RAF,

Aged 20 years.

 

John Wilkie Walker, an 18-year old Scotsman from Kirriemuir, entered the RFC,12 Feb,1918, transferring to the RAF on the day of its formation (1st Apr.).  Several weeks later (8 Jun), in his capacity as a Fitter (Aero Eng), he was posted to 254 Squadron (coastal reconnaissance squadron) and where he would spend the next seven months of his short career.  A two-week attendance at the RAF SNBD, on the 11 Jan, 1919, preceded his 26 Jan move to RAF Depot (O/Seas Section).  Volunteering to serve with the Army of Occupation on the 2nd Apr, he joined the South Russia Expeditionary Force on the 13th.

 

A year later (17 Apr, 1920), and only two days after his award of the MSM, John Wilkie Walker was admitted the British Military Hospital, South Russia, transferring the very same day to the 20th Stationary Hospital, Constantinople, at which place he was destined to pass away (from Typhus) on Fri., 30th Apr.  Air Ministry was notified by telegram dated 6 May, 1920 and the next of kin on the 7th.  Mr Walker was the last of the squadron's four victims to succumb from this dreadful disease. 

 

Born 16 Jul, 1899, the young airman's burial took place in the British Crimean Military Cemetery, Haidar Pasha, about 1-mile south-east of Scutari, Asia Minor.  Next of kin informed 14th Aug, 1920.  Inscription on his grave reads "He Asked Help None Was Given He Turned His Eyes to Heaven." 

 

Despite a year's active service in South Russia, nothing other than the circumstances surrounding his fatal illness is known.  Furthermore, and despite the many records inspected, it has not been possible to reconcile Mr Walker's name with the squadron.  Having initially taken the view he formed part and parcel of the British Military Mission personnel, it was a complete surprise to see references to 47 Squadron in the Grave Registration Reports and where date of death is documented as 29 Apr. (CWGC). 

 

LAC, John Wilkie Walker served with RAF, South Russia, from 13 Apr, 1919 to 30 Apr, 1920.  His MSM (South Russia) (LG 12/7/20) was dispatched to the next of kin 20 Sept, 1921, likewise the British War & Victory Medals on the 19 Jun, 1922.   He was the son of David & Jessie Baxter Walker, 8 Jamieson's Close, Kirriemuir, Forfarshire (Angus), (previously of 38 Kirk Wynd, Kirriemuir).  

 

Remembered With Honour at the Haidar Pasha Memorial, Turkey and the Kirriemuir War Memorial, Angus, Scotland.

 

Edited 30 April , 2020 by RFT
Revised title.