Bill Wood

It is sadness we announce the passing of Bill Wood of 81 Entry (C Sqn) on the 8th July 2024. He was immediately distinguishable from other cadets in his cohort through sporting a Coronation Medal, having previously been a chorister at HM Queen Elizabeth’s coronation on the 2nd  June 1953.

After basic flying training on the Jet Provost, in Aug 62 he was at Valley for Advanced Flying Training before Vulcans with 27 Sqn then 617 Sqn at Scampton. This was followed by CFS in August 1965, a spell as a Chipmunk QFI at Edinburgh UAS then PR9 Canberras at Luqa. Promotion to Sqn Ldr in 1971 and a QFI Refresher course led to Bill serving as OC Southampton UAS (Chipmunks), Personnel Selection at the OASC Biggin Hill then MOD Op Requirements in 1977, before retiring in 1978.

Following his retirement, Bill worked for six years as a Contracts Manager within the Defence Industry dealing with training contracts for technical personnel overseas on behalf of the Government. In 1986 he joined Grimley and Son, a firm of Chartered Surveyors, and he was appointed Partner, Head of Human Resources and Administration in May 1991, the first Partner of the Practice in a non-surveying role. After his retirement in 2001 he continued to work for several years as a consultant.

Sadly, Bill developed Parkinson’s Disease which gradually reduced his mobility over his last years and finally took his life. However, throughout this time he remained a great event organiser and was mentally very active, notably writing children’s stories for his grandchildren. He was well able to join in many social activities with his family and former RAF colleagues, including attending Entry reunions.