Ernest Deighton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ernest Arthur Deighton
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| Born | 28 May 1889 Masham, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 5 December 1957 (aged 68) Bournemouth, Hampshire, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force British Territorial Army Reserve |
| Years of service | 1917–1918 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | No. 20 Squadron RAF Army Cadet Force |
| Battles/wars | World War I World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Conduct Medal |
Sergeant Ernest Arthur Deighton (born May 28, 1889 – died December 5, 1957) was a brave English soldier. He was a skilled observer and gunner during World War I. He became known as a 'flying ace' because he helped shoot down 15 enemy planes. Almost all of these planes were enemy fighter jets.
Ernest Deighton's Story
World War I Hero
Ernest Deighton joined the Royal Flying Corps on March 15, 1917. He started as a transport driver. Later, as a corporal mechanic, he bravely volunteered to fly. He became an observer and gunner in the back seat of a Bristol F.2 Fighter plane. These planes belonged to No. 20 Squadron.
Deighton flew with four different pilot aces. These pilots included Captain Wilfred Beaver and Lieutenants David Weston, Leslie Capel, and Ernest Lindup. Deighton achieved his first victory on April 11, 1918. He continued to score victories until June 23, 1918. In total, he helped destroy ten enemy fighter planes and one observation plane. He also helped make four other German fighters go 'out of control'.
A Special Award
Deighton received the Distinguished Conduct Medal on June 7, 1918. This medal is given for great bravery in battle. On June 13, 1918, Deighton and pilot Wilfred Beaver were forced to land by a German plane. Luckily, they were not hurt. However, Deighton was injured on July 15, 1918, and had to return to Britain.
His Distinguished Conduct Medal was officially announced on October 1, 1918. The award statement praised his bravery. It said he had shot down five enemy aircraft in just over two weeks. It also mentioned his amazing shooting skills and calm behavior in action. This made him a very valuable member of his squadron.
Back in Action: World War II
Ernest Deighton returned to service during World War II. He became a second lieutenant in the Warwickshire Army Cadet Force. This happened on November 25, 1942. He left his position on May 12, 1945.
After the war, not much is known about him. He passed away in Bournemouth, England, on December 5, 1957.
