William Falcon

A World War One veteran his service has been researched by the family and they have made it available here.

Recorded on the nominal roll as Captain Falcon, this appears to be his pre WW2 rank as he is recorded as an Auxiliary Unit Lieutenant between 12 Dec 1941 and 9 Nov 1942. He is pictured with Major Stuart Edmundson along with the Devon and Cornwall Officers when Edmundson leaves in Nov 1943. He is not however recorded as an Commanding Officer at stand down.

Certainly during 1941-1943 the training of Groups 2 and 3 in Devon takes place at his home of Slade in Cornwood. When Captain Cyril Wellington is called up in Jan 1942, he defers to Falcon who he appears to treat as his superior officer. Devon Intelligence Officer, Captain Edmundson stated that he "requisitioned a place near Ivybridge, looking over the moors for Palliser [Devon Scout Section]". Auxilier Andrew Wotton also recalled; "Army men based in the bungalow built the base and helped train us".

The family were aware of his skill as an explosives expert as he was a very experienced mining engineer in South Wales. His Granddaughter Jeanette recalled; "My Grandfather was a very clever, and a kind and gentle man. He was a very capable man but he never talked of his Auxiliary Units role. My Grandfather loved his large garden, and also loved salmon fishing which he did twice a year, on the River Tweed and also the River Shannon".