Dunkirk and Battle of Britain Top Gun: WW2 Ace Pilot Officer William McKnight

In February 1939, 21-year-old medical student William Lidstone McKnight suspended his studies at the University of Alberta to take a Short Service Commission in the RAF.Leaving his Calgary home, he travelled to Britain and joined No. 242 Squadron, composed largely of Canadian pilots. By February 1940 he was flying the Hawker Hurricane. On 19 May 1940, with 242 Squadron engaged in the air battles over France, Pilot Officer McKnight scored his first victory - a Messerschmitt 109E.By 1 June he had destroyed nine enemy aircraft, with three more unconfirmed.He added two further Me 109s on 14 June, the day he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.This achievement made him the leading Canadian ace of the time, a title he would hold until his death. When the legendary, legless Squadron Leader Douglas Bader assumed command on 23 June 1940, McKnight continued to excel, claiming another six-and-a-half enemy aircraft and earning a Bar to his DFC-the first Canadian airman to do so.On 5 Novembe