Hugh Wilson (RAF officer)

Hugh Joseph Wilson CBE AFC* known as (28 May 1908 – 5 September 1990), nicknamed "Willie", was a senior Royal Air Force officer.

He served as the RAF's main chief test pilot for captured enemy aircraft in World War II and in November 1945 was the first man to exceed 600 miles per hour (970 km/h), flying a Gloster Meteor jet fighter.

On 13 September 1929, Wilson joined the RAF within the General Duties Branch on a short service commission.

Between 1941 and the end of the war Wilson was the RAF's main test pilot on all captured enemy aircraft.

[5] After leaving the RAF with the rank of Group Captain, Wilson worked as an engine salesman for Blackburn Aircraft and Rolls-Royce.

A captured Focke Wulf Fw 190A-3 at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, with the RAE's chief test pilot, Wing Commander H J "Willie" Wilson at the controls, August 1942.
Grave of Hugh Joseph Wilson in Highgate Cemetery