William George Clifford Allison
Flight Lieutenant · 1222 · New Zealand
- Died
- 24 July 1943, aged 33
- Fate
- Killed in action
Biography
William George Clifford Allison was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 6 July 1910 and was educated at Rangiora High School. An RNZAF biographical transcription records that he also gained a musical diploma in violin and theory before his wartime flying career. By 1943 he was a flight lieutenant in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, and later New Zealand Gazette material records him among airmen mentioned for distinguished service and devotion to duty.
Allison was reported presumed dead after service in the Pacific theatre and died on 24 July 1943, aged 33. He is commemorated on the Bourail Memorial in New Caledonia, one of the memorials associated with New Zealand and Commonwealth losses in the Pacific. The surviving public sources give a compact but distinctive outline: a Christchurch-educated musician turned airman, recognised for service and lost far from New Zealand in the Pacific war. The memorial anchors him in the Pacific campaign.
Burial / commemoration
- Cemetery
- Bourail Memorial, New Caledonia
Operations on this date. One raid in this archive was flown on the night of 24 July 1943: Operation Gomorrah. (Cross-reference by date — not in itself confirmation this airman flew it.)
Timeline
-
24 July 1943
Died
aged 33 -
18 February 1944
Gazetted: MiD
Mentioned in Despatches
Awards
-
Mentioned in Despatches (MiD) — gazetted 18 February 1944
vor Edward GANLEY, Royal New Zealand Air Force. The KING has also been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel who have been mentioned in despatches: — Squadron Leaders. H. C. WALKER, A.F.C. (N.Z.1138). J. S. NELSON (N.Z. 1303) (Acting). P. G. H. NEWTON (N.Z.1069) (Acting). Flight Lieutenants. W. G. C. ALLISON (N.Z. 1222). H. R. WIGLEY (N.Z. 1312). S. R. DUNCAN (N.Z. 1307). A. W. BUCHANAN (N.Z. 1304). M. R. CLARKE (N.Z.