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Barton, Robert Alexander 'Butch'

Date of birth:
June 7th, 1916 (Kamloops/British Colombia, Canada)
Date of death:
September 2nd, 2010 (Kamloops/British Colombia, Canada)
Nationality:
Canadian (1931-present, Constitutional Monarchy)

Biography

Service number 37664.

Robert Alexander Barton retired in February 1959 as Wing Commander.

Promotions:
3rd September 1940: Flight Lieutenant;
1st July 1946: Squadron Leader (seniority 1st June 1944).

Career:
11th October 1936 - 15th May 1940: No. 41 Squadron.

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Awarded on:
October 22nd, 1941
Citation:
"This officer has displayed outstanding leadership and has contributed materially to the many successes obtained by his squadron. His skill was particularly displayed on the 28th September when his squadron was responsible for destroying twenty enemy aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Barton has personally destroyed four enemy aircraft and shared in the destruction of others."

Published in The London Gazette dated 22nd October 1940.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 249 (Gold Coast) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 31st, 1941
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Citation:
"Squadron Leader Barton is Officer Commanding No.249 Squadron.
During his period of service in the United Kingdom this officer shot down seven and one-half enemy aircraft confirmed and since his arrival in Malta has show down four and one-half enemy aircraft including one enemy bomber at night. He shows a high standard of courage and initiative and his excellent leadership has been a tonic to his flight commanders and fellow pilots and to the station in general. He leads his squadron on all interceptions and offensive fighter patrols which entails being on "Standby" every other day. In addition to this he performs night fighter duties which on many occasions have entailed being on watch for the entire 24 hours without a break. The results obtained by the fighter effort on the island of Malta can be largely credited to the efforts of this officer in the manner in which he inspires the pilots under his command.

This was edited down for the Honours and Awards Committee at Air Ministry:

This officer destroyed seven hostile aircraft during a period of service in the United Kingdom. Since his arrival in Malta he has led his squadron on all interceptions and fighter patrols during which he has destroyed four hostile aircraft, including one at night. Squadron Leader Barton has, throughout, shown a high standard of courage, leadership and initiative and has contributed materially to the results obtained by the fighter effort on the island."

Second DFC received as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Published in The London Gazette, dated 31st October 1941.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Awarded on:
January 1st, 1945

Published in The London Gazette dated 1st January 1945.
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Wing Commander
Unit:
Reserve of Air Force Officers
Awarded on:
June 14th, 1945
Citation:
"On the occasion of the Celebration of His Majesty's Birthday."

Published in The London Gazette dated 14th June 1945.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Sources

  • Photo 1: RAF
  • Photo: Royal Air Force photo
  • - The London Gazette of Tuesday 22nd October 1940, Issue 34956
    - The London Gazette of Tuesday 12th November 1940, Issue 34989
    - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of Tuesday 28th October 1941, Issue 35329, dated 31st October 1941
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 29th December 1944, Issue 36866. dated 1st January 1945
    - Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 8th June 1945, Issue 37119, dated 14th June 1945
    - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 16th May 1947, Issue 37958, dated 20th May 1947
    - The Pilots of 41 Squadron RAF, 1939-1945
    - Royal Canadian Air Force Association - "Per Ardua Ad Astra"

Photo