While still in training to be a bomber navigator in 1944, Foxley’s Wellington Bomber stalled and fell from the sky.
Miraculously, Foxley escaped the crash unhurt, but seeing that another crewman was still trapped in the burning wreckage, Foxley rushed back in to save him, but it was too late.
While attempting to escape the burning aircraft again, Foxley was severely burned on his face and hands.
He underwent several skin grafts, lost partial vision in his left eye and all vision in his right.
After the war he continued with the RAF, retiring in 1954 with the rank of Squadron Leader. His recovery also continued, and he set up a charity for the disabled.
In 1969, Foxley made an appearance as a burned pilot in the film, “Battle of Britain” (photo below, right).
Bill Foxley died in 2010.
