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403766 Sergeant Wilfred George MUTTON.
Parents: Mr. and Mrs. G.J. Mutton of Johnsonville, WELLINGTON.

Wilfred Mutton was born at Wellington on the 4th June 1920 and obtained his secondary education at the Wellington Technical College. He afterwards studied with the International Correspondence Schools in radio. From the time of leaving school until applying for enlistment in aircrew, on the 9th March 1940 he was employed in radio construction by Collier and Beale Limited of Wellington.

Sergeant Mutton was enlisted at the Initial Training Wing, Levin on the 29th September 1940 and embarked for Canada by the "Awatea" on the 5th November.

Shortly after arrival there he was posted on the 21st of the month to No. 2 Wireless School, Calgary, Alberta, and then, on the 26th April 1941 to No. 3 Bombing and Gunnery School, McDonald, Manitoba. Here he was awarded the Wireless Operator Air Gunner badge and promoted to the rank of Sergeant before proceeding, on the 26th May to No. 1 "M" Depot, Debert, Nova Scotia for embarkation to the United Kingdom.

Sergeant Mutton arrived at No. 3 Personnel Reception Centre, Bournemouth on the 17th July and commenced a refresher course later the same month at No. 1 Signals, Cranwell, Lincolnshire. On the 17th November he was posted to No. 27 Operational Training Unit, Lichfield, Staffordshire, for crewing up and completion of his training as Wireless Operator Air Gunner of Wellington bomber aircraft.

Sergeant Mutton was a member of the crew of a Wellington bomber engaged during the night of the 27/28th April, 1942 in an attack on a target in enemy occupied territory. The aircraft failed to return to its base and all the crew, including Sergeant Mutton were classified as missing. Later, information was received from an official German source, through the International Red Cross that he had lost his life and was buried in the Communal Cemetery at Charleroi, Belgium. In due course his death was officially presumed to have occurred on the 28th April, 1942.

5/3/605 A.S.2.
No Log Book.

Mrs. M.J. Mutton (M) (right aligned)
Toru Street (right aligned)
Johnsonville (right aligned)
WELLINGTON (right aligned & underlined)