William Middleton Tansley

Memorial: Pucklechurch - Memorial Shields

Regiment: Royal Air Force

Medals: 1937 King George VI Coronation Medal, 1939–45 Star, Air Crew Europe Star, War Medal 1939–1945

Rank and number: Flight Sergeant (Wireless Operator/ Air Gunner) 629978

Parents: Arthur and Minnie Esther Tansley

Marital status: Married

Home address: Parents: Pucklechurch House, Pucklechurch, Bristol William and Ruby: Bishopston, Bristol

Date of birth: 1913

Date of death: 07/11/1942

Buried/Commemorated at: Buried in St James the Great Churchyard (s. w. corner of churchyard), Wick and Abson, Bristol

Age: 29

Further information:

William took up his posting in July 1941 and flew on 28 operations with 49th Squadron. On returning from a raid over Germany and whilst flying with 83rd Squadron, the aircraft attempted to land in Mildenhall Suffolk but overshot the runway. Whilst going around again the Lancaster stalled on a steep turn and crashed near the airfield bursting into flames on impact. All 7 airmen aboard died.

William was mentioned in despatches; New Years Honours List 1942.

By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):

This information has been provided by Sarah Hands, Volunteer Researcher for the South Gloucestershire War Memorials Web Site.
By kind permission, this information is based on the following source(s):
https://www.cwgc.org/
http://www.glosgen.co.uk/warmem/pucklechurchwm.htm
http://www.49squadron.co.uk/personnel_index/detail/Tansley_WM
https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/