William Taylor. An appreciation.

William Taylor, known as Willie or Jock, who has died at the age of 101, led an extraordinary and unusual life. Unassuming and modest, his experiences spanned three generations and took in so much that we take for granted in our everyday lives

To the end he remained curious about everything the world had to offer – he claimed this helped his longevity. Most importantly, he was a veteran of Second World War in which he contributed hugely to the Allied cause through his work as a wireless mechanic.

Willie volunteered for signals work and was subsequently called up to join an elite band of 17 men who were qualified wireless mechanics. The group had a simple if complex mission - to jam enemy aircraft signals which would prevent the German bombers hitting their intended locations.

The work had top secret status at the time and the team was called into action immediately following the aftermath of the bombing of Coventry in 1940. Willie's unit came under the command of the RAF. The blocking machine was codenamed BROMIDE and was literally assembled out of a large van where required and emitted frequencies to block the LORENS homing system. By preventing bombers being able to drop their weapons accurately, the unit save countless lives.

Willie was the youngest of five children and was born on 30th January 1914 in Alloa, Clackmananshire. He grew up in Troon after his father had to move there with his work as a chief wood machine operator at the shipyard.

As a youngster he was always fascinated by developments in science and in particular John Logie Baird's invention to send images over the wire which became the first television signal. Willie was present at an early demonstration by Logie Baird and said this was a pivotal moment for him and made him realise he wanted to learn more in this field. He was then only ten years old.

He studied at Ayr Academy boosting his science knowledge through the local library and graduated in maths and philosophy from Glasgow University. He was later to be a principal teacher of mathematics. In 1930 he bought a crystal radio receiver for £1 and was able to listen to the BBC Services both at home and overseas. In 1933 he recalls the introduction of atomic theory when he was at Glasgow University.

With the advent of war, the RAF called in all HAMS radio operators to operation stations. Willie volunteered for signals work and subsequently worked on BROMIDE.

During the progress of the war, radar developed and in 1942 Willie's role switched to being a wireless mechanic with a new RAF squadron, 175 HH Squadron based at Wormwell.

The squadron was trained as a servicing commando unit and preparations were made for the invasion of Normandy. Willie first worked on Hurricane fighters and finally the Hawker Typhoon fighter aircraft as well as the occasional Spitfire. From late 1942 the Typhoon was equipped with bombs and from late 1943 ground attack rockets were added to its armoury. Using these two weapons, the Typhoon became one of the Second World War's most successful ground attack aircraft.

Willie was an invaluable member of the ground servicing team keeping the planes in the air and was always at the cutting edge of wireless technology.

After the war he returned to teaching and ran a school for the deaf in Ayrshire initially in a converted farm building that had been used in the war effort. As demand for specialised teaching grew he secured funding from the government for a new purpose built school. Willie also developed the technical systems in the school and was immensely proud of his achievements in helping so many youngsters with their education.

He met and married his wife Miriam during the war and they finally retired to Appin in Argyll where they indulged their love of gardening, the sea, wildlife, birdlife and walking.

Finally the Taylors moved to Ganavan enjoying nearly 20 years there until Miriam passed away.

Willie celebrated his 100th birthday on January 30 2014 receiving honours from the Queen and the British Legion. His greatest wish was to visit RAF Leuchars to see the modern day Typhoon after working on its predecessor for so long. Just before the base closed and for the occasion of his 100th birthday, he was extended a VIP invitation and had a chance to see the Typhoon at close quarters.

Willie was a highly intelligent and motivated individual in everything he did. He never failed to be interested in everything and everyone. His curiosity never failed to keep a conversation interesting. He always claimed his key to long life was keeping his brain active and being as mobile as possible. Even when his movement was restricted he operated a high tech communication centre in his house.

Willie was a doyen of science and technology, politics, agriculture, history, archaeology and music. Indeed there were not many topics Willie could not converse on with his immense knowledge. His family and close friends meant the world to him. Miriam's nephew and family visited him regularly and he was recently re-acquainted with his own niece Celia through a chance article on his centenary birthday. He celebrated his 101st year in January 2015.

Willie was a remarkable individual who will be much missed by those who knew him for his wisdom, wit, intelligence and understanding. Many more should have had the privilege of knowing him.

ALISON CHADWICK