Battle of Britain’s oldest survivor dies aged 99

Flight Lieutenant William Walker, who was the oldest surviving Battle of Britain pilot, died on Sunday...

Battle of the Britain hero Flight Lieutenant William Walker died on Sunday, after suffering a stroke on Thursday, according to the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust. The oldest surviving Battle of Britain pilot was 99-years-old.

Just like any other veteran, Mr. Walker is believed to have had a very colorful life. Born on August 24th, 1913, it is understood that he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in 1938.

On August 26th, Walker’s plane was hit by a German bomber force and he was shot in his right ankle. According to reports, he clung to a shipwreck before being rescued by a fishing boat.

In later life, the pilot seemingly enjoyed telling the story of how the surgeon took the armour-piercing bullet from his ankle and it shot out and hit the ceiling. The pilot kept the bullet as a souvenir.

Richard Hunting CBE, Chairman of the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust, told The Sun: “Flight Lieutenant William Walker was a warm, engaging and friendly man who always had a twinkle in his eye.

“He was much loved by his fellow veterans, his family and friends and all of us at the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust.”

He added: “He knew how important it was that we continue to tell the story of what he and the rest of the Few did in 1940.”