Mr William Harry Franklin DFC (1933-1938)

Date of birth 12 May 1922
School Information He competed in the Ashburton at Bisley, and his family later presented the Franklin Cup, in his memory, to be awarded each year to the best shot at the College.
Career Information At the age of 17 he joined the Army Air Corps in Cambridge and during WW2 he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve, 161 Squadron. After training was complete, he was posted for a while to 51 Squadron, who’s Commanding Officer was then Wing Commander Percy Pickard DSO DFC (26-32). Later he served under Pickard in 161 Squadron flying mostly Halifaxes from RAF Tempsford on long range Special Operations flights. He also flew under Pickard’s command on the Bruneval Raid.
Date of Death 19 March 1943
Cause of Death He was the navigator in a Halifax engaged in parachuting agents and supplies into occupied Europe. On the night of 19th March, his aircraft was due to make a drop in southern Norway where there was a heavy water plant. After take off nothing more was heard of either aircraft or crew. The operation was his 43rd at the age of just 20.
Location Norway
Cemetery Runnymede Memorial in Surrey – Panel 124
Rank Flying Officer
Brand of Service Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 161 Squadron
Story FLYINGOFFICERWILLIAMHARRYFRANKLINDFC33-38

Flying Officer. Remembered at Runnymede Memorial.