Above: A new blue plaque in Antrobus Village Hall commemorating John Wilkinson.
The small Cheshire village of Antrobus was the birthplace and home of Sgt John Wilkinson, wireless operator in Vernon Byers’s AJ-K on the Dams Raid. The village held a special weekend of commemorative events on 6 and 7 May including a display at the War Memorial in the church, exhibitions about John Wilkinson, the Dambusters and Farming in the War. A special blue plaque was unveiled in the Village Hall.
Highlights included a special Flypast by a Dakota from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to salute John Wilkinson and a display of model aircraft including an 11 foot Lancaster Bomber by the Liverpool Model Aircraft Society. The events also raised £1000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
Above: The BBMF Dakota performing a flyover salute to the commemorations
The newly re-formed 617 Squadron sent a special message to the organisers: ‘We’d like to offer the Squadron’s thanks [to the Village] for celebrating John’s life and remembering his sacrifice. 617 Squadron is very proud of its history and it’s so good to see others doing such good work to keep it alive.’
Many of Wilkinson’s relatives still live in the area. June Morris, Wilkinson’s niece, said on their behalf: ‘It was a very lovely fitting tribute to our late uncle.’
Below: Susan Sinagola of Antrobus presents a photograph of John Wilkinson to Mrs Phoenix of Antrobus Village School.
Dambusters Blog 
Hello, My name is Julia Rowland and I’m eager to chat to someone about my Mum Mrs Joyce Lawton (maiden name Trow) who is 97 and served in the Second World War. She worked on the radar.We are hoping to attend the fly bye at Derwent and wondering if there will be any disabled facilities, parking etc? My telephone number is 07728315505 if someone could let me know that would be fantastic.
Many thanks
Julia Rowland Sent from my iPhone
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Sorry can’t help you with this. I suggest you contact the county council or the Peak District national park.
Thank you for including this on the blog. John was 21 on 2 May 1943 and spent his birthday in the Village with Vernon Byers and James McDowell.
John Wilkinson was my cousin. I was about 6 months old when the raid took place so I never knew him. Lovely gesture to remember him in this way. Next time I am in Cheshire I will be sure to visit Antrobus. I spent some happy times at the farm when I was young. Geoff if you can please get in touch by email. Linda