102 (Ceylon) Squadron
Tentate et perficite (Attempt and Achieve)
Flight Lieutenant George William Parrett
George William Parrett was born and raised in Kirkburton, Yorkshire.
"George enlisted in the Royal Air Force as aircrew during WWII.
He intially attained an Air Gunner brevet, but then rapidly converted to be a Wireless Operator.
He flew in Halifax bombers, completing a full tour of operations with 102 (Ceylon) Squadron.
He was commissioned mid-way through his service.
He described this as being the new policy of the highly-regarded 'Gus' Walker (No. 4 Group Commandant at RAF Pocklington) which was aimed at ensuring captured aircrew benefited from the higher standard of treatment afforded to officers than other ranks (in recognition of the high losses being suffered by bomber crews).
George was demobbed from the RAF after the war (from the rank of Flight Lieutenant).
George joined the 102 Squadron Association in his later years and attended several reunions.
He tried for some time to locate the other members of his wartime crew, without success.
George regularly visited the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington and became a lifetime member. He died in 2001 in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire."
