Flight-Lieutenant William Alexander John Buckland

Flight-Lieutenant William Alexander John BucklandFlight Lieutenant WAJ Buckland (OW1907), Mirboo North, Gippsland, was killed in action in France on 6 May. On leaving Wesley he won a Government exhibition and a major resident scholarship at Ormond College.

While at university he distinguished himself as a brilliant student, and a man of exceptional and attractive character. Before leaving for the front he completed his course for the degree of Bachelor of Civil Engineering with final honours, and gained several exhibitions. He took an active interest in the Melbourne University Rifles, in which corps he held a commission, and in social improvement work, both inside and outside the university.

He left Australia with the Engineers, but subsequently obtained a commission in the 69th Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps.

First year at Wesley 1907
Personal information Government scholar and Dux
Date enlisted 12/01/1916
Unit enlisted 10th Field Company Engineers - Service Number 10166
Service detailsFire in the Sky by Michael Molkentin p269 says he was a veteran observer, killed when his RE8 was shot down in the Somme region.
Date of death 6/05/1918 - 24 years of age
Unit details Australian Flying Corp, 3rd Squadron
Cemetery/Memorial place Vignacourt British Cemetery - Plot 2, Row A Grave 5
Other references and additional information

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