William J. DALEY 371st FG

[Phil L.]

Hello there,

The following pilot William J. Daley was killed in flying accident on 10 September 1944 while serving 371st FG.
Does anyone know which Thunderbolt he was flying?

Thanks in advance

Phil

[Roy Nixon]

I understand that Lt Col WJ Daley O885103 was in P47D 42-28426 of 406thFS, 371stFG which collided with the P47D 42-26294 piloted by William R Myles of 406FS at A-58/Voisins, 3ml N/Coulommeirs in a landing accicent.
406th FS were involved in air/ground ops in S/Loire area.
I am not sure what rank WR Myles held.
Bill Dayley enlisted in the RAFVR as 101457 and trained at Sparton College of Aeronatics at Tulsa, Oklahoma on 3rd British Flying Training School, then to 56 OTU before joining 121 (Eagle) sqn before transferring to 335FS.
If anyone could add to Bill Daley service record or correct the above I would be most grateful.
Roy Nixon

[Phil L.]

Thanks Roy,

As far as I know Jim Daley joined 121 Sqn (RAF) on 1 September 1941 and became CO 335th FS on 29 September 1942 until the end of 1942 (tour expired) and sent back to the US for a rest. He returned to Europe for a second tour with 371st FG. I believe that he was the Deputy CO of the 371st FG when he was killed.

Phil

[dp_burke]

I just checked the London Gazette and it would be more correct to say that W J Daley was 'commishioned' in the RAFVR with the number 101457.

As an enlisted man he would have had a different serial number, assigned to him at recuitment. At the time that his commishion as published they were not yet publishing both the NCO and officer numbers in the notifications. See page with his name second row from end of asecond column.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/35247/pages/4728

Going back to my pedantic corner.

Cheers, Dennis

[Roy Nixon]

Thanks Phil & Dennis, every little helps.
Bill was born on 30-11-19 at Hemphill, Texas and later lived in Amarillo, Texas.
He enlisted on 27-6-41 in the RAFVR as P/O (probation).
I am unable to find his departure date from USA (Canada), which ship and arrival port and date in the UK. Also what date did he arrive on 56 OTU at Sutton Bridge, Lincs.
You are right about the date he went to 121 (Eagle) sqn to 'B' Flt at Kirton-in Lindsey. While with the 'Eagles' he was decorated with the DFC around 16-6-42. Citation read "Since Feb,42 has completed 51 ops over N/France, Holland & Belgium destroying at least 2 e/a."
29-9-42 F/Lt WJ Daley transferred to the USAAF to 335th FS,4FG and promoted to Major & CO of 335th FS.
He was 'Tour expired' on 8-11-42 and on 22-11-42 returned to the USA to lecture & advise on combat tactics.
After the tragic air accident on 9-9-44 he died the following day age 24.
He now rests at Epinal American Cemetery in Plot B, Row 25, Grave 65.
He claimed 2 1/2 des, 3 dam.
Awarded DFC, DFC(US), Air Medal & 8 Oak leaves.
Roy

[Phil L.]

Roy,
I can add that he arrived in UK on 9 July 1941 and began his training at OTU on the 14th of that month. I understant that he got his wings in Canada on 27 June 1941.

Phil

[dp_burke]

Actually chaps, I beleive I'm guilty of talking nonsense! I chekced the page after the one I linked too above and comparing the entries on the next page they do have their NCO numbers listed. I'm therefore thinking that yes he went directly in as a commishioned officer and may not have been an NCO or non other non-con rank.

This must be something to do with him being American.

Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve.

GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
The undermentioned are granted commissions for the duration of hostilities as Pilot
Officers on probation: —
27th June 1941.
John Innes BROWN (101456).
William James DALEY (101457).

Eric DOORLY (101458).

Frederick Arvon GAMBLE (101459).
Le Roy Arnold SKINNER (101460).
Harold Herman STRICKLAND (101461).
Samuel Fisk WHEDON (101462).

Robert Ruggles WILBER (101463).

All the above men have no non-com number,

F A Gamble died 03 may 1942, Son of Albert Ira Gamble and Margaret Thornton Gamble, of Heiskell, Tennessee, U.S.A.

The others except Daley survived their RAF service at least.

[Roy Nixon]

Well done Phil and Dennis,
I missed putting that William James Daley Jnr was awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster.
He was known as 'Diamond Jim' while with 121 sqn.
Great stuff chaps, thanks.
Roy