copyright © Wartime Heritage Association 2012-2024
Website hosting courtesy of Register.com - a web.com company
Wartime Heritage
ASSOCIATION
Remembering World War II
Ervin (Erwin) Curtis Wilson
Pilot Officer
J/91188
207 (RAF) Squadron
Royal Canadian Air Force
March 31, 1925
Springhill, Cumberland Co., NS
February 16, 1943
Halifax, NS
17
5 feet, 7 inches
Fair
Blue
Light Brown
Single
Cashier
Presbyterian
Georgina May Wilson (Mother) Springhill, Cumberland Co., NS
October 16, 1944
19
Runnymede Memorial, Surrey, England
Panel 253
Commemorated on Page 480 of the Second World War Book of Remembrance
Displayed in the Memorial Chamber of the Peace Tower in Ottawa on October 13
Pilot Officer Ervin Curtis Wilson was the son of Thomas Alfred Wilson and Georgina May (O’Brine) Wilson
of Springhill, NS. He was the brother of Douglas Alfred Wilson and Gerald Ernest Wilson.
In 1942 he left school at the age of seventeen and was employed as a cashier at the Hyatt Restaurant and
Hotel in Springhill, just prior to his enlistment. He served as an air cadet for one year while at school and
played some hockey, softball, and baseball.
Following his enlistment, Pilot Officer Wilson, served in Canada, including RCAF Station Yarmouth
between May 19 and June 26, 1943. He also served at Halifax, Lachine, and Toronto before going
overseas. He received his air gunner badge on October 29, 1943. Embarking Halifax on November 24,
1943 he disembarking in the United Kingdom on December 1, 1943. On July 12, 1944 he was transferred
to 207 RAF Squadron.
At 6:39 pm on October 15-16, 1944 Pilot Officer Wilson was one of seven crew on Lancaster BI (NG143)
from Royal Air Force Station Spilsby, Lincolnshire a mine-laying operation in Danish waters. The aircraft
failed to return to base and all were lost. The aircraft was observed going down in flames off Mariager
Fjord at 9:30 pm.
Crew of Lancaster BI (NG143):
Denis William Ready (Flying Officer) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Isle of Man (age 22)
Ervin Curtis Wilson (Flying Officer) Royal Canadian Air Force; Springhill, NS (age 19)
Maurice Henry James Curtis (Flying Officer) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; London, UK (age 21)
Daniel Charles Bermingham (Flying Officer) Royal Canadian Air Force; Montreal, Quebec (age 22)
Richard Arthur Brumwell (Sergeant) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Montgomeryshire, Wales (age 21)
Kenneth Leigh (Flying Officer) Royal Canadian Air Force; Hamilton, Ontario (age 23)
Leslie Frank Payne (Flight Sergeant) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve; Warwickshire, UK (age 30)
The seven crew members have no known grave and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.
Ervin Curtis Wilson
Name:
Rank:
Service No:
Service:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Date of Enlistment:
Place of Enlistment:
Age at Enlistment:
Height:
Complexion:
Eye Colour:
Hair Colour:
Marital Status:
Trade:
Religion:
Next of Kin:
Date of Death:
Age at Death:
Cemetery:
Reference: