COLWILL Colin James

Additional information on the memorial: Leading Airman F.A.A.

Colin Colwill attended Worcester Royal Grammar School from 1933 to 1941.  He was brought up by his aunt after his mother’s death in 1934.  After leaving school he joined the Fleet Air Arm and in March 1941 his squadron were on board the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious as part of a covering force protecting an Arctic convoy.  On 3rd April 1941 several ships including the Victorious were turned towards Norway to take part in an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz.  The mission was dangerous and the night before the attack Colin wrote his last letter home to his aunt who he called ‘mum’.  The full letter can be read in the book ‘In Dedication to a Future World By Mark Rogers, 1999’.

On the 3rd April 1941 Colin was the telegraphist/air gunner on a Fairey Barracuda. According to his Commanding Officer €œHis aircraft was seen to crash on take-off, and his body alone of the crew of three was recovered.  It is clear however that he was killed instantaneously and he was buried at sea with full naval honours on the same day”.

Source for additional information: In Dedication to a Future World By Mark Rogers, 1999.