William Riley

RAF Honnington
RAF Honington, based at south Thetford, Suffolk is a RAF Station.  During both the Second World War and Cold War, it was used a bomber station. Since 1994, it has been used as a RAF Regiment depot.

Construction work started during 1935, and the base was finally opened during 1937.  The squadrons that were based prior and during the Second World War included.

No. 77 Squadron (July 1937 – July 1938) Hawker Herts and Vickers Wellington

No. 102 Squadron (July 1937 – July 1938) Handley Page Heyford, Squadron moved to RAF Driffield

No. 75 Squadron (July 1938 – July 1939) Handley Page Harrow and Vickers Wellington.  Squadron moved RAF Stradishall

No. 215 Squadron (July 1938 – July 1939) Handley Page Harrow and Vickers Wellington.  Squadron moved RAF Bassingbourn

IX Squadron
IX Squadron (4th September 1939 – 1940) Wellington Mk Is later changed to Mk IAs

The squadron operational flight during the Second World War, was during the 4th September when it undertook a mission against the Kriegesmarine in the Baltic, which resulted in the loss of two Wellingtons.

During the evening of 21st December 1940, at 8.15, 11 Wellingtons took off from RAF Honington to undertake a bombing raid at Porto Marghera, Italy.  9 of those aircraft returned back safety on the 22nd, one plane force land at Bexhill dure to shortage of petrol, all the crew weren’t injured, however, aircraft L7799, crashed at Alfeston and all the crew were killed.  The cause of the crash remains a mystery.

Vickers Wellington 

The crew were.

Pilot – Sergeant Robert Norman Harrison, RAFVR, 33.  Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium

2nd Pilot – Sergeant James Frederick Gapp, RAFVR, 23.  St. Mary Cray Cemetery, Kent

Observer – Sergeant Leslie William Nichols, RAFVR, 32. Willesbrough Cemetery

Wireless Op – Sergeant Maurice Holker, RAFVR, 19. St. Mary Churchyard, Deane, Lancashire

William Riley
Oystermouth Cemetery
Wireless Op – Sergeant William Riley, RAFVR, 21.  Oystermouth Cemetery

Rear Gunner – Sergeant John Docker, RAFVR, 30. Upperby Cemetery, Carlisle.












William Riley
credit - aircrewremembered.com
More information regarding William Riley.

William was born 1919, and his baptism service was carried out in St. Pauls church, Sketty.  His parents were, Bridgend born William and Irish born Gertrude Mary Riley nee. Ashby.  They were married during 1917, at Somerset.

By the time of the 1921 Census (below), the family were residing at 559 Neath Road, Morriston.  William was a General Labourer and employed by Swansea Corporation. 

1921 Census


There is no further information about William.  By the time of the 1939 Register, Gertrude is widowed and is living at 43 Southward Lane, Newton.

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