Description
Squadron Leader Charles Courtie Willott, OBE
Charles Courtie Willott was born on October 2, 1904, in Charlton-cum-Hardy, England, to Charles Willott, a cotton goods warehouseman, and Anabella Willott. Growing up in Sale, Cheshire, the 1911 census records reveal that Charles was part of a growing family, with a younger brother, Albert, born in 1907, and a sister, Emily, born in 1910.
Charles embarked on a distinguished career in the Royal Air Force (RAF), rising to the rank of Squadron Leader. He was a non-commissioned officer who first appeared in the London Gazette in 1940, serving in the technical branch. During World War II, he was granted the temporary rank of Flight Lieutenant on July 20, 1942. He received successive promotions, becoming a temporary Squadron Leader on July 1, 1943. After the war, he continued his service as a Flight Lieutenant with extended service and was permanently appointed Squadron Leader on June 19, 1950. His exemplary service was recognised when he was awarded the Military OBE in the Queen's New Year's Honours List on January 1, 1953. Charles retired from the RAF on December 19, 1956.
Parallel to his military career, Charles was an accomplished marksman with a shooting career spanning over three decades, primarily competing at Bisley. In 1931, he travelled to Montreal aboard the Georgic, a Cunard White Star liner, to compete for Great Britain and the RAF. His finest moment was in 1946 when he won the King’s Prize at Bisley after a tie. His skills were further showcased when he represented Great Britain at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London, participating in the men's rapid-fire pistol twenty-five metres event, where he finished 12th.
Charles's collection of memorabilia includes a hat band bearing his RAF insignia, a blazer badge from the 1948 Olympics, two shooting medals, and over sixteen photographs, many depicting him in action at the range or receiving awards. Among these items is also a guide to the 1948 Olympic Games, originally printed by the Daily Telegraph.
Charles's medal bar is a testament to his dedication and service, featuring the Military OBE, the 1939-45 Star, the Defence Medal, the War Medal with an oak leaf citation for being mentioned in dispatches, the General Service Medal with a bomb and mine clearance 1945-49 bar, and the Queen's Coronation Medal from 1953.
Charles Courtie Willott OBE passed away on June 13, 1973, in Sheerness, Kent, leaving behind a legacy of military distinction and sporting excellence.
