Ex-Downpatrick Primary School principal and WWII veteran Bill dies aged 103

Ex-Downpatrick Primary School principal and WWII veteran Bill dies aged 103

21 August 2024

FORMER Downpatrick Primary School principal Bill Nesbitt has died. He was 103.

A former Wellington bomber pilot during World War Two, he taught in Castlewellan Primary School from 1948 before leaving as principal in 1965 to take up his post in Downpatrick where he remained until 1985.

Fondly remembered by the Downpatrick Primary School family, Mr Nesbitt had been a regular attender at its carol 

service in Down Cathedral and had a great interest in pupils and staff.

Mr Nesbitt, who passed away on Monday of last week, celebrated his 100th birthday in 2021 when the former RAF Flight Lieutenant was the guest of honour at a special birthday tea at Aldergrove.  

He was welcomed by Wing Commander Jacs Rankin and several of the RAF family, as well as the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey.

Mr Nesbitt began his distinguished career in the RAF in 1935, serving as a navigator and also piloting a Wellington bomber during WWII. 

He was last stationed at Bishopscourt and left the RAF in 1946 before training as a teacher.

A Ballymena native, he received a special Silver Poppy in recognition, remembrance and appreciation by the citizens of Mid and East Antrim Council.

Mr Nesbitt described his surprise party as “amazing” and said he enjoyed meeting young RAF officers and was so appreciative of them giving their time to hear about his time in the RAF during the 1940s and WWII.

He said at the time: “It brought back so many memories for me, from the best of days training in Canada and Florida and the amazing bond between the comrades to the saddest of days thinking of those who never came home.”

Mr Nesbitt was joined by his four surviving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Predeceased by his wife Jean, his funeral service was held on Monday morning at Cairncastle Presbyterian Church. 

The former school principal is survived by his children Johneen, Wallace, Paul, Alison, grandchildren and great grandchildren.