William Eric's Story.
Birkenhead News 23 January 1918
Birkenhead Doctor’s Son Killed
WHILST FLYING IN KENT
It is with great regret that we have to record the death of Mr. William Eric Floyd, elder son of Dr. and Mrs. W. R. Floyd, Devonshire Road, Birkenhead, who was killed by whilst flying in Essex on Thursday. This young aviator, who was only 18 years of age, a probation officer attached to the Royal Naval Air Service, was flying over an aerodrome in Essex when his machine caught fire in mid-air and crashed to the ground. He was killed instantly.
The late officer was educated at the Birkenhead School, and at the time of leaving there was a prefect, and had been captain of the cricket and football team for two years, he being and athlete of great promise. He left his school in August, 1917, and joined the Royal Naval Flying Corps the following month, and was taking his final test flight on Thursday prior to obtaining his pilot’s certificate when the fatality occurred.
William's grave in Flaybrick Cemetery, Birkenhead