Prior to the outbreak of war, William embarked on his engineering career as an apprentice with Messrs Alfred Herbert Ltd, a prominent company based in Coventry. At that time, Alfred Herbert Ltd was recognised as one of the world’s largest manufacturers of machine tools, providing William with a solid foundation in engineering.

RAF Service and Operational Duties

Following his commission into the Royal Air Force, William began his flying career piloting the Bristol Blenheim with 53 Squadron. After some time, he transitioned to operating the Spitfire, serving with 54 Squadron. This squadron was based at RAF Manston, Kent, after the fall of France.

Final Mission and Commemoration

On Wednesday, 28^th August 1940, William was the pilot of Blenheim IV T2046, tasked with a reconnaissance mission between the Hook of Holland and Ostend. Tragically, the aircraft failed to return from this operation and William was initially declared “Missing”. In March 1941, his status was changed to “Killed in Action”, with the date of his loss backdated to the day he went missing. William was just 21 years old. His name is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial in Englefield Green, Surrey, a lasting tribute to his service and sacrifice.

Only son of Harold Arthur Fitzpatrick & Martha Louisa Fitzpatrick of Brentry, Gloucestershire.

A downloadable copy of this story is available here.

Revised: October 2025