Phil was fortunate to have his father’s logbook and other memorabilia. By combining those resources with his own research through the National Archives in the UK Phil was able to build up a detailed account of his father’s wartime activities. Phil has put his research into a book so that his father’s 16 great-grandchildren know something about their great-grandfather’s life and his war service.

Sydney Wheatley enlisted as aircrew in the RAF in the early stages of the war and was trained as a wireless operator, with the rank of Flight Sergeant (later Warrant Officer).  For four years he flew in Stirling bombers and took part in at least one of the 1000 bomber raids on Germany. Replaced later by faster and more efficient Lancaster and Halifax bombers, the Stirlings became transport planes and were often used for towing the huge Horsa gliders that could carry men and large equipment to the battlefield. They were also used to transport and drop supplies to troops on the ground.

In September 1944, Sydney Wheatley’s plane was one of a number of Stirlings involved in dropping vital supplies to British paratroopers who had attempted to seize and hold a bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem (Operation Market Garden). Losses among the Stirlings were high, as they had to fly low and slowly over the drop zone and so became easy targets for anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters. Flight Sergeant Wheatley’s plane suffered damage and casualties. Then, on the third day of operations, his plane was hit and badly damaged by flak. The pilot ordered the crew to jump then changed his mind and decided to attempt a crash-landing. But luckily, Wheatley had already parachuted to safety. The plane crashed, the pilot being the only survivor. Wheatley was initially reported as ‘missing in action, believed killed’ but was able to make his way back to safety.

After the war, Sydney Wheatley joined the RAAF and later worked for the British defence industry in Australia. He lived to be 93.

Phil Wheatley’s presentation was not only a great tribute to his father but also a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by thousands of aircrews in World War 2 and of the thin line between life and death in wartime.

 

 

 

 

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