South Yorkshire Times, February 6th, 1943

Commissioned

Mr Robert Matthew Wilkinson (Chairman), elder son of Mr and Mrs G.W. Wilkinson, of the Oak Tree Inn, Wath, as won his wings and been granted a commission in the RAF.

Pilot Officer Wilkinson joined the Royal Air Force about 18 months ago. He was sent to South Africa for training as a pilot, and has been there about 14 months, Early in December his parents received a telegram which said he would pass out on the 18th, and was waiting for confirmation of his being granted a commission. The telegram also added that he had been recommended as a night fighter pilot.

Since then the commission has been confirmed from the Pay Office. In one examination he was assessed first in order of merit of the R.A.F in his course on account of his flying ability. In a letter Pilot-Officer Wilkinson said, -With a bit of luck I might pass out as first in the whole course. . .there is some good stuff among the boys.” But as yet, his parents have received no detailed result of his final test.

Pilot-Officer Wilkinson is an old pupil of Mexborough Secondary School, where he excelled in javelin throwing in inter-school sports. He was previously employed by Messrs. Baker, Bessemer and Co., Ltd. His fiancée, Miss Doreen Woods (20), of West Melton, is a Corporal in the W.A.A.F. She is a former pupil of Wath Grammar School, and has been in the Forces nearly two years. Both are members of Wath Swimming Club.