This year, the City of Norwich Aviation Museum was saddened to hear of the passing of two Royal Air Force veterans who supported us over many years.
Gerhard Heilig
Gerhard arrived in England in England as a refugee from Nazi persecution in 1938.
After being educated in Yorkshire and working as a telephone engineer he joined the RAF and completed a tour of operations with 214 Squadron flying as a special operator in Boeing Fortress aircraft and then with the Lancasters of 101 Squadron operating from Ludford Magna.
His fluent German made him invaluable for the electronic counter measure role that both 214 Squadron and 101 Squadron undertook.
After leaving the RAF, Gerhard had a long career in civil aviation and was a pilot with Austrian Airlines until his retirement.
Gerhard passed away at his home in Austria in late October 2014.
The full story of Gerhard’s RAF career can be read in his own words on the 214 Squadron Association internet site at http://www.214squadron.org.uk/Personnel_pages/Heilig_Gerhard/Heilig_Gerhard.htm
Geoff Williams
Geoff served as a pilot flying Gloster Meteors from RAF Horsham St Faith (now Norwich international Airport) with 245 Squadron in the early 1950’s.
With the Horsham Wing he took part in the flypast over London for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Geoff became an engineering officer on the English Electric Lightning and retired from the RAF as a Squadron Leader.
The Eastern Daily Press obituary for Geoff can be found at http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/obituaries/raf_hero_who_helped_defend_norfolk_coast_in_1953_floods_dies_aged_85_1_3822291
