Bill Loxton
Wilfrid William Loxton (20 January 1909 – 2 November 1992), known as Bill Loxton, was a British Royal Air Force pilot during the Battle of Britain.
Bill Loxton | |
|---|---|
 Wilfrid William (Bill) Loxton | |
| Born | 20 January 1909 Gretton, Gloucestershire |
| Died | 2 November 1992 (aged 83) Puddletown, Dorset |
| Allegiance |  |
| Years of service | 1928–1933, 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit | No. 25 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | Second World War: |
Loxton was born in Gretton, Gloucestershire, the son of Ernest Robert Loxton and Mary Ann Loxton (née Minett). After training as a carpenter, he joined the RAF on 30 April 1930.
Following several promotions, he became Squadron Leader of No 25 Blenheim Squadron[1] (Feriens Tego – Striking I defend). No 25 Squadron was formed at RAF Montrose, on 25 September 1915, as a Fighter/Bomber Squadron equipped with F.E.2bs. The Squadron became a nightfighter unit in 1938; it was re-equipped with Blenheim IFs that year, and also acquired Blenheim Vs equipped with A1 radar. In September 1940 Bristol Beaufighters became available to the Squadron; these were operational on 10 October 1940. The Squadron took part in the Battle of Britain and its pilots joined the ranks of 'the few'.
As a member of 'the few' Loxton is commemorated by name on the Battle of Britain Memorial[2] which was unveiled by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall on 18 September 2005.[3]
He remained in the RAF until retirement, attaining the rank of Wing Commander. He married Binkie Pattullo on 6 August 1938 and had two sons, Peter and David, who became a well known producer in America. Peter married Heather Loxton; daughter of Archie Forbes.
Loxton is buried, next to his son Peter, in Bere Regis churchyard, Dorset.
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