William Mckenzie's Story.
Born on 5 April 1918 in Hamilton, Ontario. His father, who was born in Scotland, worked as a Stationery Engineer and his mother was born in England. They married in Canada. William was a student of fine arts and attended the following schools: Bennetto School, Hamilton, 1925-1931. Westdale Tech, Hamilton, 1931-1932 where he took his Matric subjects Wentworth Tech 1932-1936, Drafting and Art. Art Student League, New York 1939-1941. Art course Colombia University, New York 1941 onwards. Between 1936-1937, William worked as an illustrator for the New York Herald Tribune and then went back to school. He then worked as an artist for Standard Engravers back in Hamilton and for G.W.Robinson also in Hamilton, between the years 1937-1939, before continuing his studies. He carried out leadership work with the Y.M.C.A and was an instructor in boy’s hobbies.William enlisted in the RCAF on 23 December 1941 and after training as an Air Bomber he embarked for the UK on 18 December 1942. Upon arriving in the United Kingdom he was posted to 3 Personnel Reception Centre in Bournmouth. On 6th July 1943 he was posted to 23 OTU at RAF Pershore for training in Wellington bombers. He was killed in a flying accident one month later. On 6th August 1943 Arril was flying in a Wellington bomber on a training exercise when the right engine failed and caught fire which spread rapidly and the aircraft crashed while attempting a landing near Bramington, Shropshire killing all 6 crew.
Accident Report page 1
Accident Report page 2