Warrant Officer Victor Cecil Mayo Wheeler

On 5th July 1942, No.611 squadron, stationed at Kenley, lost Warrant Officer Victor Cecil Mayo Wheeler, a wireless mechanic, who was flying as a passenger in Miles Magister Mk.I (L8130), flown by Sergeant Alexander J. P. Walton, which stalled during low level aerobatics and crashed near Lunghurst Rd, Woldingham.

Victor was the son of Captain Henry James Wheeler M.C., a Great War veteran, and Victoria Martha Wheeler (nee Mayo). He was educated at Lawrence Sheriff School, a boys’ grammar school in Rugby, where he was a keen cricketer and rugby player. He passed the entrance scholarship to join the RAF, and received some of his training at Cranwell. In the mid-thirties he was posted to Iraq. Not long after his return in late 1941, he married Irene Ashby in Leicester. No.611 Squadron had been at Kenley for a month when Victor lost his life, aged 24.

Rest in peace Sir and thank you for your service.