William Adamson

William Adamson was a Royal Air Force wireless operator and air gunner whose detailed RNZAF biographical file records a long operational career. Enlisted in May 1939, he trained at Yatesbury, Leuchars and No. 10 Operational Training Unit before joining No. 77 Squadron at Topcliffe. With that unit he flew thirty-four operations, then transferred to No. 109 Squadron, converting through Blenheims and Wellingtons and completing a second tour. His Distinguished Flying Medal, gazetted in January 1941, recognised courage and devotion to duty as a wireless operator and air gunner.

After Middle East special signals work, Adamson returned to No. 109 Squadron in Britain. He was killed on the night of 2/3 July 1942 in Wellington IC AD605, coded ZP-C, on a special duties operation from Stradishall. The aircraft was shot down by a night fighter near Dirkshorn in North Holland. Adamson is buried at Bergen General Cemetery in the Netherlands.