William James Anderson was born in 1919, son of William Gilmour Anderson and of Annie Euphie Anderson He had two brothers and three sisters. They lived in Woodlawn, Ontario.

He went to school in Woodlawn and Kinburn Continuation School. He attended Woodland United Church and was involved in community affairs. he also had a interest in sport, playing hockey on the Chareton County team.

He work for the Civil Service in Ottawa before joining the Royal Canadian Air Force in January 1942.

412 Squadron

William received his training at Toronto and Moncton, receiving his wings in November 1942 at Summerside, P.E.I. He was sent overseas two weeks later. He reached a total of 30 operations before beging sent to Malta in March 1943. Here he flew another 30 operations, being credited for damaging one enemy bomber.

While in Malta, he was wounded. After recovering, he was sent on leave to Canada in August 1943. After returning to England, he was posted to 412 squadron, operating spitfires out of a airfield near Heesch, the Netherlands.

On Good Friday, 30 March, 1945 William was involved in operations covering the northern frontline in the Netherlands. Over a 1,000 fighters and fighter/bombers were engaging the enemy in any way they could, shooting up transports, communications, gun emplacements, troop concentrations and anything the fighters could find.

F/L William Anderson crashed near Zelhem. The exact circumstances of his death are as yet unknown. He is buried at Zelhem General Cemetery.

 

"BE YE ALSO READY
FOR IN SUCH AN HOUR
AS YE THINK NOT
THE SON OF MAN COMETH"

 

Sources:
Newspaper article (name and date unknown)
Gerrit Zwanenburg, En Nooit Was Het Stil, Deel I. ny.

Directions to Zelhem General Cemetery

Posted 4 december 2008

If you have any suggestions, comments or additional information, please contact me.

This website is dedicated to the men and women who died and/or are buried in The Netherlands during World War II.

 

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