Belgian MoD searching for Stirling hero McAdam

Belgium’s Ministry of Defence is trying to trace relatives of a Stirling-born airman — with links to Gartmore — who was killed in World War Two.

Flight Sergeant William David McAdam, an air gunner with 23 Squadron, Royal Air Force, died during an operation over Belgium on September 1, 1941.

He was one of 154 airmen who were killed during WW2 over Belgium and buried at the Adegem Canadian War cemetery, Eeklo town cemetery and Maldegem communal cemetery.

Chief Warrant Officer Frank Raeman, of Belgium’s MoD, is coordinating a project to honour the WW2 heroes.

They are producing a book which will chronicle those who died and give details of where they came from and their background.

Mention will also be made of those who survived being shot down and were taken prisoner or escaped to England with the help of the Belgian Resistance.

CWO Raeman contacted the Observer and Stirling Council Archives this week to seek help in tracing any surviving relatives of Flight Sgt McAdam.

He wants to get in touch with anyone able to provide details about his life and a picture for inclusion in the book.

Flight Sgt McAdam was born on November 9, 1915, and lived in Gartmore before joining the RAF in 1935. His sister, Mrs H. Naismith, lived at Cromdale Cottage at Gartmore.

Council archivist Pam McNicol found a cutting from the Observer printed about the time Flight Sgt McAdam left Gartmore to join the RAF.

`Willie’, a popular villager who played for the football team and was skilled at other sports, received a gift from pals and a hearty send-off.

●If you have information about Flight Sgt McAdam or are related to him email john. rowbotham@ trinitymirror.com, or write to the Observer at 34 Upper Craigs, Stirling, FK82DW. We will pass on any information to the Belgian MoD.