251384 Sgt William John Oram Royal Air Force WOP/AG 427 Squadron from:Stratford, London (d.22nd January 1943) Billy Oram gave his date of birth as 1 year earlier than his real birth date in order to be accepted for service with the RAF. He served as a Wireless Operator 427 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force. He was a very keen southpaw boxer and he won several Inter Services Boxing Cups. He did at one time spar with Freddie Mills who later became a national Light Heavyweight Champion.
I was only 9 years old when he was killed in action so I am very unsure of my facts about Billy.
85 aircraft made a mine laying raid near the Frisian Islands but 6 aircraft including his, did not return and therefore there was no burial. He is commemorated on Panel 160 of the Air Forces Memorial at Runnymede.
He was in Wellington Bomber Mark lll serial number X3873 ZL-R and flew from RAF Croft and was one of the most northern airfields.
His crew mates were,
- Flight lieutenant DA Shead - Pilot
- Sgt. GR Hoyt - Observer
- Pilot Officer - M Patrick - Bomb Aimee
- Sgt. WJ Oram - Wireless Operator/Air Gunner
- Sgt. JL Sparling - Air Gunner
He was awarded three medals. The Aircrew Europe Star. The War Medal and The 1939-1945 Star.
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