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William Paxton (1898-1967)


Student teacher from Oxhill, Stanley, served in Royal Naval Air Service in Dunkirk


William Paxton was born 08-Jan-1898 in Oxhill, Stanley, County Durham. His father was John Grey Paxton (1853-1906) and his mother was Dorothy Brown (1858-1941). Both of William’s parents were originally from Rainton, County Durham; their marriage is recorded as taking place in Houghton-le-Spring in 1874. On the 1911 Census his father was employed as a Winding Engineman in the coal industry. William was one of a family of ten with three brothers (John b.1879, Thomas b.1890 and Robert b.1895) and six sisters ( Ann b.1877, Catherine b.1881, Elizabeth b.1883, Mary b.1885, Dorothy b.1888 and Margaret b.1893). The family are recorded living at 8 Joicey Terrace Oxhill in 1901 and 4 Ely Terrace, Oxhill in 1911.

William joined the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) on 29-Jun-1917 for the duration of hostilities. He was a student teacher at the time he joined up. He was given the service number F32417 and the initial rank of Aircraftman 2nd grade. He spent his first few days at Crystal Palace and then the next seven months based at Roehampton (one of the main training establishments for airships & Kite Balloons) and Christchurch. His RNAS Service Record is stamped “For Service in Land Operations”.

After six months service William was promoted to Aircraftman 1st grade on 29-Dec-1917 and given the sub-rating of Aerial Gun Layer with effect from 27-Jan-1918. Shortly after becoming a Gun Layer he was posted to Dunkirk, France on 05-Feb-1917. William was serving in France when he was transferred to the newly formed RAF on 01-Apr-1918. He was given the new service number of 232417 and his equivalent rank of Private 1st Class. The 1918 RAF Muster Roll notes his trade as Aerial Gunner.

William’s RAF record sheet notes that he had a tumour behind his left ear. He was one inch below the chest standard (having a 33inch chest) and had defective vision for which he wore glasses. None of these issues seem to have proved any obstacle to his serving as an Aerial Gunner in France until October 1918 or to his being then transferred to the Number Two School of Observers for training. He was successful in this training and was promoted to Acting Sergeant on 23-Nov-1918 continuing to serve as an Observer. Shortly after this promotion William was posted to 1 Flying School where he finished his service and was transferred to the RAF G Reserve on 21-Mar-1919. His address on discharge was his mother’s house at 18 North Terrace, Oxhill, County Durham.

On his return home William returned to his studies and qualified as a teacher. Family sources indicate that he taught at Shield Row Secondary School. He married Sarah Hannah Hutchinson in 1922. Sarah was born in Stockeld Park, Spofforth, Yorkshire in 1898 and was the daughter of Joseph Hutchinson (b.1863) who was a Forester working on the Beamish estate on the 1911 Census. William and Sarah had three children together; Elizabeth D (b.1923), William (b.1924) and Mary (b.1928).

During the Second World War in July 1940 William enrolled in the Local Defence Volunteers (Home Guard) shortly after it came into being. However, he was required to resign, as explained in his own words writing to the Officer Commanding, Home Guard, Stanley on 12-Nov-1940. “Dear Sir, Recently I made application to the Durham County Education Committee for permission to continue in membership of the Home Guard. That permission has not been granted on the basis that as a teacher my services would be needed in school in the event of any operational emergency. Therefore it is with deep regret I resign from the Home Guard.” His resignation took effect on 25-Nov-1940. At the time of writing the letter William’s address was The Crest, 6 Iveston Terrace, Stanley, County Durham where he is believed to have lived until his death in 1967.

William Paxton was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during World War One.

Civil Parish: Oxhill

Birth date: 08-Jan-1898

Death date: 1967

Armed force/civilian: Air Force

Residence: 8 Joicey Terrace, Oxhill, Stanley (1901 Census)
4 Ely Terrace, Oxhill, Stanley (1911 Census)
18 North Terrace, Oxhill, Stanley (1919 discharge address on service record)
6 Iveston Terrace, Stanley (1940 letter to Home Guard)

Military service:

Enlisted in Royal Naval Air Service, F32417, Aircraftman 2nd grade, 29-Jun-1917
Promoted to Aircraftman 1st grade (Aerial Gun Layer), 29-Dec-1917
Transferred to Royal Air Force, 232417, Private 1st class (Aerial Gunner), 01-Apr-1918
Promoted to Acting Sergeant (Observer), 23-Nov-1918
Discharged to G Reserve 21-Mar-1919

Medal(s): British War Medal
Victory Medal

Gender: Male

Contributed by David D, Stanley, Co Durham

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