Archibald Wilson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Air Marshal Archibald Wilson ICD OBE DFC (USA)
Minister of Posts Minister of Roads and Road Traffic Minister of Transport and Power
In office 10 March 1977 – 1978
Prime Minister	Ian Smith
Preceded by	Roger Hawkins
Succeeded by	William Irvine
Member of the House of Assembly of Rhodesia for Arundel
In office 30 July 1974 – 10 April 1979
Preceded by	Andrew Skeen
Succeeded by	Abolished
Member of the House of Assembly of Zimbabwe Rhodesia (White non-constituency member)
In office 10 April 1979 – 11 December 1979
Senator of the Senate of Zimbabwe
In office 11 February 1981 – July 1982
Preceded by	Douglas Hamilton Ritchie
Succeeded by	Esme Scott
Personal details
Born	28 May 1921 Bulawayo, Rhodesia
Died	4 July 2014(2014-07-04) (aged 93) Pinjarra Hills, Queensland, Australia
Political party	Rhodesian Front
Spouse	Lorna Alexandra Wilson (d.2008)
Military service
Allegiance	United Kingdom  Southern Rhodesia  Rhodesia
Branch/service	Royal Air Force Rhodesian Air Force
Years of service	1939–1973
Rank	Air Marshal
Commands	RRAF Thornhill (1957–59)
Battles/wars	World War II Rhodesian Bush War

Archibald Oliver Garfield Wilson (May 28, 1921 – July 4, 2014) was a brave pilot and important leader. He was known as an Air Marshal. He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Later, he became a top commander in the Rhodesian Air Force.

After his military career, he became a politician. He served in the Rhodesian Parliament. He also held several important jobs in the government. In 1982, he moved to Australia with his wife, Lorna. He became an Australian citizen in 1988.

Air Force Adventures

Archibald Wilson joined the Southern Rhodesian Air Force in 1939. This was just before World War II began. He became a pilot and flew many missions. From 1943, he was in charge of No. 238 Squadron.

After the war, he continued his career in the air force. He held many leadership roles. From 1957 to 1959, he commanded the RRAF Thornhill. He helped lead air operations in different parts of Africa.

In 1969, Wilson became the Chief of the Air Staff. This was a very high position. He was promoted to the rank of Air vice-marshal. When Rhodesia became a republic in 1970, he helped make many changes to the air force. This included new names and symbols. His title changed to Commander of the Air Force. He was then promoted to Air marshal.

Wilson also helped create a secret military agreement. This was between Rhodesia, South Africa, and Portugal. In 1972, he spoke about the air force's role. He said they would always be ready to do their duty.

Archibald Wilson retired from the Air Force in 1973. He had served for 32 years. He was the last person from the original Southern Rhodesia Air Force. He believed that the security forces would win against terrorism.

Life in Politics

After his air force career, Wilson joined politics. He was a member of Ian Smith's Rhodesian Front party. In 1974, he was elected to the House of Assembly. He represented the area called Arundel. He won his seat again in the 1977 election.

He held several important government jobs. These included Minister of Posts and Minister of Transport. He worked to improve services for the country.

Later Years

In 1982, Archibald Wilson left politics. He and his wife, Lorna, moved to Australia. They settled in the Gold Coast area of Queensland. He became an Australian citizen in 1988.

Lorna passed away in 2008. Wilson spent his final years in a retirement community. He died in 2014 at the age of 93. He is buried with his wife.

Honours and Awards

Archibald Wilson received many awards for his service. These awards recognized his bravery and leadership.

Ribbon	Description	Notes
	Independence Commemorative Decoration (ICD)	Awarded in 1970
	Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)	Awarded in 1961
	1939–1945 Star	For service in World War II
	Italy Star	For service in the Italy campaign
	Defence Medal	For service during World War II
	War Medal 1939–1945	For service during World War II
	General Service Medal	For general service
	Distinguished Flying Cross (United States) (DFC USA)	A US award for bravery in flight

See also

In Spanish: Archibald Wilson para niños