Desmond Hinton 1922-52

[keith A]

In many of the accounts of this pilots career in WW2 it is mentioned that he shot down two Japanese fighters in WW2 prior to flying two tours in Korea (He was killed on active service). None of my sources on the Burma ir War mention a Desmond Hinton and he isn't in TOE can anyone give me details of his WW2 career?

regards

Keith

[keith A]

Just found Hinton served as A.F/L in 135 Squadron, and was awarded the DFC in 1945. As a Hurricane or Thunderbolt pilot I doubt he actually claimed two kills in Burma but perhaps they were ground kills?

regards

Keith

[Tom Semenza]

Keith,

Keeping in mind that his full name was "Desmond Frederick William Hinton" the following may refer to him:

From Air War for Burma for 10 Dec 1942:

"During the fight four pilots of 135 Squadron claimed three Ki 43 probably shot down between them. These were Sqn Ldr Giddings, Wt Off C.H. Fox (BG961), Flt Sgt W. Hinton and Flt Sgt Arrowsmith."

From a photo caption in Franks RAF Fighter Pilots Over Burma: Rare Photographs from Wartime Archives (Images of War) (Kindle Locations 373-375). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.

"Flight Sergeant Bill Hinton, 135 Squadron, at Dohazari. At least he has managed to acquire a tin bath, similar to those often found in the UK, and used in front of a roaring fire. Note the flying boots and, just as in the UK, a bicycle to get around on. Hinton shot down an Oscar on 10 December 1942."

Tom

[keith A]

Cheers Tom. How did I miss that? I have the book in my collection. Looks like he did make claims flying Hurricanes after all! He must have been on his second tour by 1945.