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.”