A. R. H. Barton

Anthony Richard Henry Barton DFC (17 December 1913 – 4 April 1943) was an English Royal Air Force officer who played an important part in the Battle of Britain and in the defence of Malta during the siege by the Axis powers in the Second World War.[3]

Anthony Richard Henry Barton
Born17 December 1913[1]
London, England
Died4 April 1943(1943-04-04) (aged 29)
Llandow, Wales[2]
Buried
St Andrew's church, Totteridge
Service/branchRoyal Air Force (RAF)
RankSquadron Leader
Battles/warsBattle of Britain, Siege of Malta
AwardsDistinguished Flying Cross and bar (DFC and bar)

Barton was from Oakleigh Park in north London. From 1927 to 1940, he served in the Royal Navy and Fleet Air Arm, serving as a midshipman for three years on HMS Warspite, HMS Valiant and HMS Dragon. In July 1940, he transferred to the Royal Air Force, where he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. He took part in the Battle of Britain and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).[3]

The Times wrote of Barton: "In April 1942, when he was awarded the D.F.C., he was spoken of as a keen and courageous pilot, who had fought with great distinction in the Battle of Britain, and who had destroyed five enemy aircraft before he himself was shot down and severely wounded."[3]

In 1942, he was posted to Malta where he was awarded a bar to his DFC. He died on 4 April 1943 in Llandow, Wales[2] while making an emergency landing.

Barton is buried at St Andrew's church, Totteridge.[4]

References
  1. Great Britain, Royal Aero Club Aviators’ Certificates, 1910-1950
  2. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1966, 1973-1995
  3. "Fallen Officers". The Times. 13 April 1943. p. 7.
  4. Famous People from The Past. St Andrew's Church. Retrieved 1 September 2015.


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