Alan Wilkinson (RAF officer)

Lieutenant Colonel Alan Machin Wilkinson (1891-1973) was a British First World War flying ace.

Early life and service
Alan Wilkinson graduated from the University of Oxford and served with the Hampshire Regiment before joining the Royal Flying Corps. He became one of 24 Squadron's first aces.

Aerial success
He gained the first of his 19 victories while flying an Airco D.H.2, beginning with two wins on 16 May 1916. He scored regularly, and closed out his time with No. 24 Squadron RFC with his ninth and tenth triumphs on 31 August 1916. After being assigned to a Bristol F.2 Fighter unit, No. 48 Squadron RFC, Wilkinson reopened his victory list on 5 April 1917. He was credited with nine more victories in the next 17 days, including a pair of double victories on 9 April.

Second world war
In 1939 Wilkinson, by then a Director of the London Press Exchange re-enlisted in the Royal Air Force.

Honours and awards
Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Lt. (temp. Capt.) Alan Machin Wilkinson, Hamps. R. and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and skill. He has shown great dash in attacking enemy machines, and, up to the end of August, he had accounted for five. On one occasion while fighting a hostile machine he was attacked from behind, but out-manoeuvred the enemy and shot him down. Finally he got back, his machine much damaged by machine gun fire.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) Bar Lt. (temp. Capt.) Allan Machin Wilkinson, D.S.O., Hamp. R., and R.F.C.

For great skill and gallantry. He came down to a low altitude and destroyed a hostile scout which was attacking one of our machines, the pilot of which had been wounded, thereby saving it. In one day he shot down and destroyed six hostile machines. He has destroyed eight hostile machines during the past ten days and has displayed exceptional skill and gallantry in leading offensive patrols.