Wing Commander William Roy Irwin DFC* OBE was a Canadian-born World War I flying ace credited with 11 aerial victories.
During World War II, he returned to service, reached the rank of Wing Commander, and won an OBE.
The physical description on his enlistment papers describes him as 5 feet 7 1/2 inches tall, with brown eyes, dark hair, and a "fresh" complexion.
[1] William Roy Irwin joined the Canadian Expeditionary Force[1] with the aim of serving in the Royal Naval Air Service.
[4] Once assigned to 56 Squadron at the combat front in France, Irwin flew his first patrol on 1 March 1918, as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot.
[2] Two months later, on 3 May 1918, he joined Trevor Durrant and Edward Dawson Atkinson in destroying one German Rumpler two-seater reconnaissance plane and driving another down out of control.
That his award was for his air-to-air prowess is apparent in the citation accompanying the DFC:[5] [2] This officer is a fine leader, displaying tactical skill and personal gallantry.
[2] Once again, the award citation stressed his aerial tactics and success:[5] This officer is an exceptionally skilful pilot leader, combining fine fighting qualities with sound, clear judgement.
William Roy Irwin is buried with his second wife Muriel in Ripley-Huron Cemetery, Ripley, Huron Township, Bruce County, Ontario, Canada.