Brief profile of Bill Watkins by Dr.A.K.Hignell

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Player:

WM Watkins

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Bill Watkins had a distinguished military career with the R.A.F., winning the DFC during the Second World War after taking part in 31 missions in his Lancaster bomber over industrial targets in Germany.

 

Watkins had enlisted with the RAF at the age of 18, and was a member of 514 Squadron based at RAF Waterbeach in Cambridgeshire. After leaving the RAF, he returned to his native Swansea, and worked as a metallurgist, working for British Aluminium and ALCOA.

 

Bill was a talented sportsman, having a fine record as an opening batsman with Swansea C.C., whilst he was also a useful rugby player and had trials with the Wigan rugby league team.

 

In 1950 Watkins appeared in Glamorgan`s Championship match against Hampshire at Swansea, having been called up as a late replacement when another batsman was injured. He also took part in two of the Minor County fixtures played by the Glamorgan 2nd XI in 1950.

 

(July 2005)

(Article: Copyright © 2005 Dr.A.K.Hignell)