Hugh Wilson (RAF officer)


Hugh Joseph Wilson known as, nicknamed "Willie", was a senior Royal Air Force officer. He served as the RAF's main chief test pilot for captured enemy aircraft in World War II and in November 1945 was the first man to exceed, flying a Gloster Meteor jet fighter.

Biography

Born in 1908, Wilson was the only son of Alfred Wilson and Jessie. He was educated at Hastings' University School, Merchant Taylors' School in Northwood and City of London School. After leaving school he began an apprenticeship with a cotton manufacturer.

RAF career

On 13 September 1929, Wilson joined the RAF within the General Duties Branch on a short service commission. He trained at the No. 5 Flight Training School and was later posted to No. 111 Squadron. Exactly five years after joining the RAF in 1934 he was placed on the Reserve of Air Force Officers. Whilst on this reserve list he passed a conversion course on flying boats and also passed as a flying instructor.
In the mid-1930s he worked as a test pilot for Blackburn Aircraft and was, in 1938, the first to fly the Blackburn Roc. He later worked at the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough as a civil test pilot.

World War II

Recalled to active service with the RAF in 1939, Wilson was the Commanding Officer of the Aerodynamic Flight of the RAE at RAF Farnborough.
Between 1941 and the end of the war Wilson was the RAF's main test pilot on all captured enemy aircraft. Flying these aircraft from RAF Farnborough, Wilson would evaluate their handling and performance.
After a short period working in America as a test pilot, Wilson joined No. 616 Squadron in 1944 to train pilots on Britain's first jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor. He subsequently became Officer Commanding of the Empire Test Pilots' School at RAF Cranfield.

World air speed record

On 7 November 1945, flying the Gloster Meteor Britannia over a course at Herne Bay in Kent, Wilson averaged a new world air speed record for a jet fighter of.

Later career

After leaving the RAF with the rank of Group Captain, Wilson worked as an engine salesman for Blackburn Aircraft and Rolls-Royce.

Personal life

Wilson was married twice, first to Isobel Moira Sergeant in 1947 and then in 1959 to Patricia Frances Shanley Warren and had two more sons. He died in 1990.