William James Dixon Oldman

A Second Hand with H.M. Yacht Aelda, William died on 6th of November 1943 at the age of 42. 

William was born at Lowestoft on 20 February 1901, a son of William James Dixon and Maud Marion Oldman. William was baptised at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 13 March 1901, and his family lived at 58 Wollaston Road. By 1911 his family lived at 25 Coronation Terrace, Fir Lane. Later his parents lived at 12 Harrison Road, Oulton Broad. 

In 1927 William married Nanny Tomlinson: this was registered in the Fylde district. In 1939 they lived at 34 Radcliffe Road, Fleetwood, Lancashire, and William was the Mate on a steam trawler.

During World War Two William served at the Second Hand on the armed yacht Aelda. On 6 November 1943 the Aelda collided with the steam drifter Neves at Autbea, Loch Ewe, Ross-shire. Four men, including William, were killed in the collision. An inquest found that the Skipper of the Neve was at fault and he was informed that he had 'incurred their Lordship's displeasure.'