No. 41 Squadron Association
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Association blog

Flt Lt John Wilkinson

9/10/2016

2 Comments

 
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WW2 Royal Air Force Ace Fighter Pilot To Appear at South Dakota Film Premiere 
South Dakota Public Broadcasting to also premiere film


(SIOUX FALLS, SD) — Royal Air Force (RAF) Flight Lieutenant John Wilkinson will be honored at the Premiere of “The Gentleman Next Door,” a short film documenting his WWII experiences this 28 October at the South Dakota Air & Space Museum. The film was produced from narratives and exclusive combat footage obtained during an interview between Wilkinson and aviation artist John Mollison. The film is the 9th in the Old Guys and Their Airplanes series of award-winning documentaries featuring Mollison’s work.


Wilkinson flew combat during the crucial months of the last phase of WWII and provides exceptional insight into the life of an RAF fighter pilot as well as the horrors of war. Though he is officially credited with 4.5 total aerial victories, substantial evidence exists that Wilkinson achieved the coveted “Ace” status of five or more aerial victories. Wilkinson took part in dozens of combat missions and also was an eye-witness to the liberation of the infamous Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp.

Mollison stated, “Though it’s only about 15 minutes long, this Short is a great look into what it’s like to be with people who’ve seen incredible history, first-hand. It’s rare enough to talk to a WWII veteran but even rarer to learn from someone who was so accomplished.” Wilkinson and Mollison are scheduled to be at the Premiere as well as Dalton Coffey, the award-winning cinematographer who filmed the interview. The Short features original music by South Dakota musician, Clyde Teel and Mollison’s artwork of Wilkinson’s Spitfire Mk.XIV fighter aircraft.

The Premiere will begin at 6:00pm with a chance to meet John Wilkinson afterwards. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to arrive early to insure a seat. Copies of Wilkinson’s biography, “The Lord Is My Shepherd” will be available for purchase. The location of the South Dakota Air & Space Museum is located just outside the main gate of Ellsworth Air Force Base, 2890 Davis Dr, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706.

Refreshments will be served before the event.
​
“The Gentleman Next Door” will also Premiere on South Dakota Public Broadcasting, 3 November, 8pm.


Trailer: https://vimeo.com/187744490

CONTACT:
John Mollison
john@johnmollison.com

oldguysandtheirairplanes.com
 johnmollison.com
605.261.6070


Dan Kuecker
Executive Director,
Ellsworth Heritage Foundation
(on behalf of the South Dakota Air & Space Museum)
EHF_execdir@midconetwork.com
605.385.5189 


​
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2 Comments
John Mollison link
10/10/2016 16:19:42

41 Squadron Association -

Thank you for posting this! It's been an awesome thing to get to know one of your own. I hope there is some way you can Represent as well. Though our military has had its moments of conflict - insert cheeky grin - , it's our honor to remember your country's amazing history and share it with the world.

Reply
Alastair McFarland
18/10/2016 08:33:48

An update from John Mollison:

There’s a link below that will connect you to the Trailer for our latest “Old Guys and Their Airplanes” project - a “Short” featuring a Royal Air Force pilot named John Wilkinson.

Our film-production time was too brief, too fleeting…but we have done our best to respect this gentle, highly intelligent man... (and wholly lethal warrior).

Though the whole piece is technically a Short (less than a traditional 30 minutes), we hope our rendering of John’s story inspires interest in others to value the wisdom and experiences of those around us.

Our Public Premiere is 28 October at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum located just outside the gate of Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota. Our Public Broadcasting Premiere is 3 November, 8pm on South Dakota Public Television.

Of course you’re invited!

And of course, the full Short will be viewable online some time afterwards.

But, if, after viewing the Trailer below (only about :37 seconds) you feel it’s worth promoting, please do so by forwarding this email or posting it on your Social Media accounts.

The Trailer is below and I hope to see you at the Museum on the 28th.

https://vimeo.com/187744490

Reply



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  • Home
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      • 2014/15
      • 2011
      • 2010
      • 2007/08
    • Archive
    • World War II Aircrew
    • Professional Photographers >
      • Centre of Aviation Photography
      • Peter Lewis
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