Wanbon, Julian Robert

Age: 23
Date of birth: c1919

Parents: James Robert and Madeline Ethel (nee Sheldrake) Wanbon
Wife: Margaret Jean Wanbon nee Hare
Address: 29 Wall Road, Norwich

Occupation:

Julian Robert Wanbon was born in Norwich, Norfolk in 1919. His parents were James Robert and Madeline Ethel (nee Sheldrame) Wanbon. He had an older sister, Margaret Anne Maud (1918-2010).

The 1921 Census shows the family living at 45 Rosebury Road, Norwich. Julian was 1 year and 8months old at the time.

The 1939 Register shows both parents living at 29 Wall Road, Norwich – neither Julian or Margaret were living at home and Margaret had married a Philip Robinson in the same year. James is still working as a Police Officer.

Julian married Margaret Jean Hare in September 1940 and they had one son, Robert born Q2 1941. Margaret remarried in Q2 1947 to Harold W V Dain.

Junian’s father died in 1967 and his mother in 1977.

The only known connection with Warwick is that Julian was operating out of Wellesbourne Airfield and may have been lodging with a family in Warwick. Any further information would be welcome.

Military Service

Rank & Number: Flight Sergeant, 902718
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Brigade/Division:
Date of death: 31st May 1942
Cause of death/Battle: Killed in action
Commemorated/Buried: Commemorated on Runnymede Memorial, Surrey. Panel 76
Awards: Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Commemorated locally at: All Saints Church, Wellesbourne Royal Air Force Roll of Honour

Julian was part of Operation Millenium, out of Wellesbourne Airfield, Warwickshire.  Here are details from ‘Wings over Wellesbourne’ – see Contributors below:

He received the Distinguished Flying Medal for his actions of 11th February 1941. Remarks by Station Commander: ‘This N.C.O. has displayed exceptional keenness and devotion to duty and it is largely due to his courage and determination that his sorties have been carried out to a successful conclusion . His example and war-like spirit has been an example to others. Specially recommended.’

Contributors

  • Special thanks to Nick Pratley and his father Jack Pratley for Julian’s wedding photograph and details of Operation Millenium – obtained from their book ‘Wings Over Wellesbourne Vol 1&2’.  Thanks also to their publisher Dave Dover of ReprintUK
  • Unlocking Warwick Research Group

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