Flying Officer William Broughton Gingell DFC DFM
223 Squadron RAF

Early Life

William was born in Weybridge in 1919. He was the son of William Henry and Christine Frances Gingell (nee Randall) of Wadhurst in Suirrey. He had a sister Mary and a brother George.

He attended Woking County School from 1930 to 1935 and enlisted with the RAFVR in 1939 while living in Addlestone.

World War 2

On 19 August 1940 William, then a Sergeant (sn 56168) was observer aboard Blenheim Mk. IV (N3574) of 101 Squadron as it left RAF West Raynham in Norfolk for a night raid on Antwerp Aerodrome. The bomber took to the air at 2205 but the port engine failed as it crossed the Dutch coast and the crew elected to bomb Haamsted Aerodrome which they did successfully from 5,000 feet.

Unable to maintain height on the way home Pilot Officer Bicknell ditched his aircraft besides a trawler in rough seas just short of the English coast.

The Blenheim's Air Gunner (21 year old Sgt. John George from Worcestershire) was knocked unconcious and trapped in the plane. Pilot Officver Bicknell and Sgt. Ginegell forced their way out and made several unsuccessfull attempts to rescue their comrade before the plane sank.

Some 30 minutes later Bicknell (suffereing from head injuries) and Gingell (by now unconcious) were picked up by the trawler. Both men were awarded Distinguished Flying Medals for their actions that night.

William was later awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, gazetted on 20 July 1943. At the time he was serving with 223 Squadron based in Malta. He received both his DFM and DFC from the King at Buckingham Palace whilst at home on leave. He was promoted to Flyting Officer on 1 September 1946.

William was killed in a flying accident (possibly in the Shropshire area) on 1 August 1946.

William Gingell is buried in Chester Cemetery, Cheshire (Section A, Grave 837).