DFC Flight Lieutenant (Pilot) 43142, 527 Squadron, Royal Air Force. Died 20/10/1943. Age 31.

 

Born in 1912 the son of Alfred William Shillitto and Gertrude nee Bradshaw.  In 1942 William married Josephine Lilian Comerford Hesketh, they may have previously married elsewhere as Josephine is showing as married at the time of the 1939 register living at 64 Quilter Road, Felixstowe with her parents.

 

Distinguished Flying Cross awarded 15th August 1941 - Acting Flight Lieutenant William Alfred SHILLITTO (43142). This officer has carried out many flights of a technical nature in which he has shown great devotion to duty. The majority of flights, undertaken in all forms of weather conditions, have been over the English Channel and towards enemy-occupied territory. On one occasion his aircraft was repeatedly attacked by a Messerschmitt 109F. After taking successful avoiding action Flight Lieutenant Shillitto succeeded in firing a long burst which damaged the Messerschmitt and the engagement was broken off. Flight Lieutenant Shillitto is a capable leader who has set a very high standard.

 

Pilot William Alfred Shillitto DFC was killed whilst flying in Bristol Blenheim IV Z7960 of No 527 Sqn when it flew into the ground after side-slipping in a turn at low level over Ipswich. His death is reported on the RAF 324th Casualty List as killed on active service. Buried at Felixstowe New Cemetery.  Flt Lt Shillitto’s death was recorded at Ipswich.

 

No.527 Squadron was formed at Castle Camps on 15 June 1943 for radar calibration duties with Blenheims and Hurricanes. The squadron was engaged in calibrating radar stations in southern England and East Anglia and later added Hornet Moths and Spitfires to its strength.