Charlton, Wilson Hodgson

Date of birth:: April 9th, 1907
Date of death:: May 12th, 1953 (Roehampton, Surrey, Great Britian)
Nationality:: British

Biography

Finally promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader.
From 1942-1945 Charlton was in a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp, from 1946-1948 he commanded Bomb Disposal 5134 Squadron and from 1948-1950 he was Group Armament Officer.

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George Cross

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: Bomb Disposal, HQ, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: January 21st, 1941

Citation:
"Flight Lieutenant Charlton is responsible for all work in connection with enemy bombs in an area comprising the greater part of two counties. Both by day and night, during recent months, he has dealt with some 200 unexploded bombs. He has successfully undertaken many dangerous missions with undaunted and unfailing courage." Squadron Leader Charlton was originally put forward for the Empire Gallantry Medal in September 1940, then serving with the rank of Warrant Officer the recommendation is as follows: ‘In addition to normal duties Warrant Officer Charlton is responsible for all work in connection with demolition of enemy bombs within this area which covers the greater part is Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. This duty has kept him employed day and night, during the last two months and I enclose a copy of his own report to me which gives an indication to the work involved. It will be seen that he has dealt with some 200 bombs, many of which were found to be unexploded. I can not speak too highly of the way in which this Warrant Officer has tackled his extremely dangerous duties. He has shown great personnel courage in carrying out the work of demolition and has shown no hesitation in examining new types of enemy bombs with which he was unfamiliar. The most cheerful and courageous manner in which he has carried out his duties has been an example to all and I strongly recommend the he be considered for the award of the Empire Gallantry Medal of the Order of the British Empire.’ Further Comments were made by the Senior Officer: ‘I can fully endorse the above recommendation. Warrant Officer Charlton has carried out many dangerous missions successfully and I also have been struck by the cheerful and courageous manner in which he has carried out these duties, even to giving me the impression that he enjoys the work.’