John Wilson
Born at Gilling, Yorkshire, on April 3, 1889.
Born at Gilling, Yorkshire, on April 3, 1889.
Died at Tickton, Beverley, on October 3, 1959, aged 70.
Died at Tickton, Beverley, on October 3, 1959, aged 70.
Major John Philip Wilson, a 36-year-old Yorkshireman, won the 1925 Grand National on Double Chance, thereby upholding the splendid tradition of amateur riders in the event.
Major John Philip Wilson, a 36-year-old Yorkshireman, won the 1925 Grand National on Double Chance, thereby upholding the splendid tradition of amateur riders in the event.
Known to be a bit of a daredevil, he was one of the first to make a parachute jump from a balloon. He was serving with the Royal Flying Corps at the time.
Known to be a bit of a daredevil, he was one of the first to make a parachute jump from a balloon. He was serving with the Royal Flying Corps at the time.
Wilson, during the war, had also been one of the first airmen to bomb Germany and had shot down a Zeppelin raider over Hull.
Wilson, during the war, had also been one of the first airmen to bomb Germany and had shot down a Zeppelin raider over Hull.
In more peaceful times, he played cricket for Cambridgeshire and his home county.
In more peaceful times, he played cricket for Cambridgeshire and his home county.
Major Wilson on 1925 Grand National winner Double Chance
Major Wilson on 1925 Grand National winner Double Chance