Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of Edward J McCORMICK, James Street, Pinjarra, Western Australia.

Before enlisting for war service, William worked in a timber mill. After turning 18, he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in February 1944. William was first posted to No. 4 Service Flying Training School in Geraldton, WA, where he trained as an aircraft hand, helping with the maintenance of aircraft. Showing his ability to work on aircraft, in August of that year, William was promoted to leading aircraftman and selected for a course at No. 5 School of Technical Training in Perth. He then served at RAAF Station Pearce.
In February 1945, William was posted to Tocumwal, NSW, where he served in No. 7 Aircraft Depot. In June, he was posted to a new heavy bomber squadron, No. 102 Squadron, at Cecil Plains, Queensland. William worked on Liberator bombers, but the war ended before the squadron could deploy overseas. In April 1946, William was posted back to Perth where he was discharged that same month.

After his war service, William assisted with building railway bridges before joining the Western Australian Government Railways where he worked until his retirement. William was married to Dorothy and they have 4 children, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Sadly, Dorothy passed away in 2022.
When he was younger, William enjoyed travelling and was president, and now life member, of his local bowling club. He only stopped playing 10 years ago!
William credits his long life to his mobility and eating plenty of cakes and biscuits.