15 Facts About Willie McKnight

Willie McKnight was Canada's fifth-highest scoring ace of the war, credited with shooting down nineteen aircraft.

From Alberta, Willie McKnight joined the RAF in early 1939 and served in No 242 Squadron during the final phase of the Battle of France, covering the evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk and then the Allied retreat from Brittany, during which he claimed his first aerial victories.

Willie McKnight flew in the Battle of Britain, often as wing man to Squadron Leader Douglas Bader, claiming several more victories.

William Lidstone "Willie" McKnight was born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on 18 November 1918.

Willie McKnight grew up in Calgary where he attended Crescent Heights High School.

In November 1939, Willie McKnight was posted to No 242 Squadron.

Willie McKnight chose to personalise his aircraft with a cartoon of a jackboot kicking Adolf Hitler and an image of the Grim Repear holding a sickle in its hand.

Willie McKnight meanwhile had been attached to No 607 Squadron, in France, but was there for only two days before being transferred to No 615 Squadron at Abbeville.

Pilot Officer Willie McKnight has shown exceptional skill and courage as a fighter pilot.

Willie McKnight worked to bring it back up to strength, both in personnel and equipment, and undertook a training program.

Willie McKnight soon had the respect of the pilots of command.

Willie McKnight, flying as wing man to Bader, destroyed two Bf 110s and a He 111.

Willie McKnight has proved himself to be a most efficient section leader, and has consistently given proof that he is a courageous and tenacious fighter.

Willie McKnight's body was never recovered so he has no known grave; his name is inscribed on the Runnymede Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom.

Willie McKnight is credited with having destroyed nineteen aircraft, two shared with other pilots.