Robert Barton | |
---|---|
Nickname(s) | Butch |
Born | Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada | 7 June 1916
Died | 2 September 2010 Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada | (aged 94)
Allegiance | Canada |
Service | Royal Air Force |
Years of service | 1936–1959 |
Rank | Wing Commander |
Commands | No. 249 Squadron RAF Skeabrae RAF North Weald RAF Acklington |
Battles / wars | Second World War |
Awards | Officer of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar Mention in despatches |
Robert Alexander Barton, OBE, DFC & Bar (7 June 1916 – 2 September 2010) was a Canadian-born officer who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Second World War. He was credited with at least 12 aerial victories.
Born in Kamloops in British Columbia, Barton joined the RAF in early 1936. After his training was completed, he was posted to No. 41 Squadron but following the outbreak of the Second World War was transferred to No. 249 Squadron. Flying the Hawker Hurricane fighter, he flew extensively during the Battle of Britain, claiming several aerial victories. Near the end of the battle, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. He later flew Hurricanes during the Siege of Malta, achieving more aerial victories. He served in a series of staff and command posts for the remainder of the war. He remained in the RAF in the postwar period, and played a role in the establishment of the Pakistani Air Force. He ended his military career in 1959 and died in September 2010, aged 94.