Wing Cmdr. Albert "Locks" Golding DFC and Bar
Royal Air Force 12 Squadron
from:Rose Cottage, Holcombe Village, Nr Bury, Lancs
(d.26th Mar 1942)
Wing Comdr. Albert Golding DFC and Bar was born in Lancashire on 31st July 1911, older brother to Edwin. He was educated at King William's College, IOM, and then at the age of 17 went to the RAF College at Cranwell. He always wanted to serve in the Royal Air Force. During his school and college years he developed into a top athlete, winning many trophies for running and boxing. He became a Welterweight Amateur Champion, and boxed for the RAF Boxing Team. He was appointed by King George V to be a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force on 17th of December 1932. He married Kathleen Rylance Cunliffe at St. Ann’s Church, Manchester on 9th of April 1938. They had two children, Diana Clare Cunliffe Golding and John Eckersley Golding.
Albert was a member of No. 12 Squadron, killed in action, on the night of 26th of March 1942 over N.W. Netherlands, and is buried in Bergen General Cemetery. During his career as a RAF Officer, he was awarded the DFC and later added The Bar in February 1941, presented to him by King George VI. When he was buried at Bergen, the grave markers were white wooden crosses, which were later replaced by headstones. His bears the inscription: “So dearly beloved by his wife, Kathleen and his children Diana and John”.
