William Stratton (RNZAF officer)
William Hector Stratton | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Stratters |
| Born | 22 July 1916 Hastings, New Zealand |
| Died | 27 December 2005 (aged 89) Perth, Australia |
| Allegiance | New Zealand |
| Service | Royal Air Force Royal New Zealand Air Force |
| Years of service | 1937–44 (RAF) 1944–1971 (RNZAF) |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Commands | Chief of Air Staff (1969–71) No. 213 Squadron RAF No. 134 Squadron RAF |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Mention in Despatches |
Air Vice Marshal William Hector Stratton, CB, CBE, DFC & Bar (22 July 1916 – 27 December 2005) was a New Zealand aviator and military leader during the Second World War and the postwar period.
Born in Hastings, he joined the Royal Air Force in 1937 and served as a fighter pilot in the Second World War, initially with No. 1 Squadron during the Battle of France. He later performed instructing duties in Rhodesia until given command of No. 134 Squadron in June 1943. He transferred to the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1944 and remained in the service after the war. In his later career, he held a series of staff postings, including an appointment as Assistant Chief of Air Staff in 1961. He became Chief of Air Staff in 1969. Appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in 1970, he retired the following year. He died in 2005, aged 89.