Hailstone, William Charles (Flying Officer)

Killed in Action 1943-July-13

Flying Officer William Charles Hailstone RCAF

Birth Date: 1918

Born:

Parents: Charles Hailstone & Annie Hailstone, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Spouse:

Home: Weybum, Saskatchewan

Enlistment:

Enlistment Date: 1941-January-01

Service

RCAF

Unit

458 (B) Sqn- Squadron (RAAF)
We Find and Destroy

Base

RAF Protville. Tunisia

Rank

Flying Officer

Position

Pilot

Service Numbers

J/10642
Prev: R/105735

Mission

Wellington B. Mk. Xlll MP629

Bombing Sardinia 1943-July-13 to 1943-July-13

458 (B) Sqn (RAAF) RAF Protville, Tunisia
458 Australia Squadron (We Find and Destroy). Wellington aircraft MP 629 was on an arrmed reconnaissance patrol and reported a contact at 2320 hours. No further contact was received and the aircraft failed to return from a sea search off Sardinia. It was presumed to have been shot down by a night fighter or anti-aircraft fire. Casualties included: RCAF F/O's W.C. Hailstone (pilot) and J.A. Diggins (navigator), RCAF W/O II's H.E. Bradley (wireless air gunner), D.H. McConechey (wireless air gunner), and W.W. Wright (wireless air gunner); RAFVR Flt. Sgt. F.G. Crocker (second pilot); RAFVR Sgt. J. Tindal (wireless air gunner); and RAAF Flt. Lt. K.J. Neill (navigator).