Legacy of Doxey lad’s heroic WWII efforts to sell at Staffordshire auction

Joe’s story…

Born on 8 August 1921 in Doxey, Stafford William – known as Joe – Willshaw attended King Edward's School in Stafford. War broke out in 1939 as Joe turned 18, and he attempted to join the RAF immediately. The RAF, however did not have the infrastructure to deal with volunteers at that time and was told to wait until he was called up.

That call came in March 1941, and Joe headed to Canada to train as a pilot. Having gained his 'Wings' attained the rank of Flight Sergeant before being posted North Africa as part of 80 Squadron in June 1942. He saw extensive action in the skies of the African Mediterranean and Europe; with intense aerial dogfights a regular occurrence to protect the ground troops and infrastructure.

Joe was transferred to 127 Squadron in Cairo, helping to protect the troops on the ground and the armoured columns of men and machines as they advanced east to drive the Germans back. This was not without risk - one day 12 aeroplanes went up to defend and attack but were met by 25 JU87's and 15 Messerschidt 109's. Joe managed to get his damaged aircraft back to base, his machine had been hit by several machine gun rounds several feet behind his seat and had a hole shot through the port wing. Sadly, when Joe had time to check on his 11 fellow aircraft, his was the only surviving one.

In September 1943, Joe had been promoted to Warrant Officer, moving on to reconnaissance flying as part of 16 Squadron, helping the allies to prepare for D Day. He flew Spitfires and made 60 reconnaissance missions - it was during this that he earned his D.F.C. for flying in extreme danger as well as getting promoted to Pilot Officer.

In August 1944 Joe flew into very bad weather east of Paris, the poor visibility meaning he had to fly below the clouds to get the pictures needed. Over Versailles his aircraft was damaged by intense anti-aircraft fire, but he still managed to complete his mission. The reconnaissance photographs were then used to save countless lives on the ground.

In June 1945 Pilot Office Joseph Willshaw was awarded 'The Distinguished Flying Cross 'for Gallantry and Devotion' to duty in the execution of air operations and in recognition of the hard work and many flying hours in two tours of duty in the African Mediterranean and European theatres of war.

A fascinating legacy

The lot set to sell at Cuttlestones’ Summer Antique auction offers a fascinating insight into Joe’s wartime exploits. It includes the cased Distinguished Flying Cross together with Buckingham Palace letter and newspaper cutting relating to the award’. A bar of five WWII medals is also included in the collection; consisting of WWII Star, The Africa Star with with North Africa 1942/43 bar, The France and Germany Star, The Defence medal and George VI 1939 - 1945 medal (5) plus another 39/45 medal. The lot also included three Royal Air Force Form 414 Pilot's Log Books and five formal and candid photographs and postcards of 'Joe'.

MD and Head Auctioneer at Cuttlestones’ auctioneers & valuers, Ben Gamble, says: “We regularly see medal collections pass through the sale room, but this lot is particularly special. Not only does it tell a story of immense bravery by a local hero, but the completeness of the story painted by the ephemera is exceptional. This is the kind of collection that really captivates collectors and historians alike – and we feel honoured to be entrusted with the sale of this treasured piece of military history by Joe’s family.”

Carrying an estimate of £3,000 - £5,000 Joe’s medals are expected to attract the interest of a global audience of bidders during the auction, which will take place with both bidding in the room and live online next week.

The catalogue will be available at cuttlestones.co.uk from Friday, 13 June with bidding in the room, by commission, on the telephone or live online through easyliveauction.com