John Avery Wilson (1898-)
Fitter From Langley Park Served in the Royal Naval Air Service
John Avery Wilson was born in Langley Park on 09-Aug-1898. He was the only child of Angus Shaw Wilson (1870-1938) a Corn Miller from New Shildon and Hannah Wadge (1876-1934) who was born in Oxhill. His parents married in 1894.
At the time of the 1901 census John was with his mother staying with her parents at 6 East Cross Street, Langley Park. His father was living at 21 Davison Place, Dunston which was still the family home at the time of the 1911 census and the address on John’s service record in 1918.
John joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) on 05-Sep-1917 for the duration of hostilities. He was given the service number of F37181 and the rank of Acting Air Mechanic 1st class. He was given the trade of Armourer. His first two days in the RNAS were spent at Crystal Palace after which he spent one month at Cranwell and almost four months at Eastchurch.
From Eastchurch, John was posted to Stonehenge where he was stationed when the RNAS became part of the newly established Royal Air Force (RAF) on 01-Apr-1918. His service number was updated to 237181 and he was given his equivalent rank in the new structure as Air Mechanic 2nd class. There was a re-classification of ranks in the RAF with effect from 01-Jan-1919 at which point John was confirmed in the rank of Aircraftman 1st class. John spent his last two months of service in the RAF at Fort Grange near Portsmouth. He was transferred to the RAF G Reserve on 23-Nov-1919.
There is little record of John after his service was completed except for a mention in his father’s probate record in 1939 where he is described as a Corn Merchant.
John Avery Wilson was awarded the British War Medal for his service in World War One.
Civil Parish: Esh
Birth date: 09-Aug-1898
Armed force/civilian: Air Force
Residence: 6 East Cross Street, Langley Park (1901 census)
21 Davison Place, Dunston (1911 census and 1918 RAF service record)
Military service:
Enlisted in Royal Naval Air Service, F37181, Acting Air Mechanic 1st class, 05-Sep-1917
Transferred to Royal Air Force, 237181, Air Mechanic 2nd class, 01-Apr-1918
Reclassified Aircraftman 1st class, 01-Jan-1919
Discharged to RAF G Reserve 23-Nov-1919
Gender: Male
Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham
