Bill Green (RAF officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William James Green
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|---|---|
| Birth name | William James Green |
| Nickname(s) | Bill |
| Born | 23 April 1917 Bristol, England, UK |
| Died | 7 November 2014 (aged 97) Bristol, England, UK |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Auxiliary Air Force Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1945 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 501 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Other work | CEO, Crown Paints Ltd. |
William James Green (born April 23, 1917 – died November 7, 2014) was a brave British Fighter pilot. People often called him Bill. He was part of the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. Bill Green is famous for his role in the Battle of Britain. He flew Hawker Hurricane planes during this important time.
Bill Green flew for nine days in the Battle of Britain, from August 20 to August 29, 1940. During this short but intense period, his plane was shot down twice. The first time was on August 24, 1940, when he had to crash-land near Hawkinge. Just five days later, on August 29, his plane was hit again over Deal in Kent.
Joining the RAF
Bill Green joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in December 1936. At first, he worked as an engine fitter, helping to fix aircraft engines. Later, he trained to become a pilot.
He joined No. 501 Squadron RAF on August 19, 1940. This was right in the middle of the Battle of Britain. Bill had only flown Hawker Hurricane planes for about five hours before. He had flown one for the very first time just the day before. Even with so little practice, he was sent into battle on August 20, 1940. Bill Green often said he was one of the least trained pilots in the Battle of Britain. He felt very lucky to have survived.
Shot Down in Battle
On August 29, 1940, Bill Green was flying when his plane was hit. He suddenly saw a big hole appear in his armored windscreen. He never even saw the enemy aircraft that shot him down. He managed to get out of his plane, but his parachute had a problem. The lines of his small drogue parachute were cut.
As he fell quickly, his boots were pulled off his feet. He remembers thinking about his wife, Bertha, whom he had married just 12 weeks earlier. He wondered if she would think about what it felt like to "hit the deck," meaning to crash. Bill thought this was the end for him. But just as he got close to the treetops, his main parachute finally opened. He landed almost right away in a farm in Elham Valley near Folkestone.
When he landed, he found he couldn't stand up. He had been wounded in the leg without even knowing it.
Two blokes came out of the farmhouse with shotguns and realised I was English. They helped me up and I couldn't stand because I'd been hit, without knowing it, in the leg. They took me back to the farmhouse and gave me a cup of tea and that was the end of the Battle of Britain as far as I was concerned.
After this, Bill Green continued to serve in the RAF. He rose through the ranks, from Sergeant Pilot to Flight Lieutenant.
Life After the War
After his time in the RAF, Bill Green had a successful career. He became the Chairman and managing director of Reed International and Crown Paints. He was known as a respected boss who knew many of the people who worked for him. People who knew him described him as a true gentleman and a hero. He was very humble and never sought fame.
Bill Green spent his final years living in the Bristol area. He was one of the last surviving members of a special group called The Few. This name refers to the RAF pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain. He was also involved with many charities that helped former service members. He supported the Royal Air Forces Association and local Air Cadets organizations. He was dedicated to the RAF throughout his life.
Bill Green passed away on November 7, 2014, at the age of 97.
