H.W.A. (Bill) Collett

Sergeant

H.W.A. (Bill) Collett NZ 412468

Bill signed up with the RNZAF in 1941, trained in Canada
as a navigator, then arrived in the UK to join 101 Squadron,
flying Wellingtons.

101 began converting to Lancasters in October 1942.
On 10th.November, just one month after the introduction of the Lancs,
Bill, along with his crew, was killed in an accident over Wales.

An investigation proved inconclusive, but sabotage was a possibility.
A member of our group also had a similar situation...
with the sabotage of several Stirlings.

101 Squadron was originally a RFC squadron, fromed in 1917 for night bombing,
operating FE2Bs on the Western Front. Disbanded Dec.1919. Reformed 1928.
The first squadron in the RAF to have power-operatednose-gun turrets.
101 was involved in playing many different roles, right up to May 1945.
Bomber Command's 60th Anniversary website provides an excellent overview
of all the squadrons involved in WW1 & WW2. A most interesting website.