Claims of D.F.W. Hinton in Burma

[Tom Semenza]

A posting by Alex Smart in the Post WW2 section relates the return of the remains of F/L Desmond Hinton who was KIA while attached to the USAF in Korea. The link to an article in The Telegraph states that Hinton was awarded the DFC and claimed two "Mitsubishi Zero fighters" over Burma in WW2. The aircraft type, of course, is likely incorrect since the IJNAF did not participate in the Burma campaign.

The London Gazette (23 Nov 43) confirms that Desmond Frederick William Hinton was awarded the DFC on 4 Aug 1943. Another entry in the same publication indicates that Hinton ended the war with the rank of Flying Officer.

The only relevent entry I find in Shores' Air War for Burma is a claim on 10 Dec 1942 by F/Sgt. W. Hinton of 135 Sqn. for a Ki.43 (possibly shared.) Is this the same individual? Does anyone have any details of any further claims by Hinton?

Thanks in advance.

Tom