Hamilton Upton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hamilton Upton
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| Born | 13 March 1912 Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Died | 1 August 1965 (aged 53) Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Allegiance | Canada |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force Royal Canadian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1945 (RAF) 1945–1953 (RCAF) |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Unit | No. 43 Squadron No. 607 Squadron |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Hamilton Charles Upton (March 13, 1912 – August 1, 1965) was a brave Canadian pilot. He was a "flying ace" during the Second World War. This means he shot down at least five enemy planes. He flew for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was credited with ten victories.
Hamilton was born in Manchester, United Kingdom. But he grew up in Vancouver, Canada. He joined the RAF in 1939. After his training, he became a fighter pilot. He fought in the famous Battle of Britain. All his victories happened during this important battle. Later, he became a flying instructor. After the war, he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. He worked in sales after leaving the military. Hamilton Upton passed away in 1965 when he was 53.
Contents
Early Life and Training
Hamilton Charles Upton was born in Manchester, UK. He was raised in Vancouver, Canada. Friends called him Deryk. In June 1939, he joined the Royal Air Force. He began his pilot training right away. Two months later, he became a pilot officer. He finished his main training in early 1940.
World War II Service
On February 8, 1940, Upton joined No. 43 Squadron. This squadron was based at Wick. They flew Hawker Hurricane fighter planes. Their job was to protect ships along the coast. They also defended the Scapa Flow naval base. In June, the squadron moved south to Tangmere. They helped cover the evacuation at Dunkirk. The squadron lost many planes and pilots. So, they took a short break to recover.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain began in the summer of 1940. No. 43 Squadron fought over the English Channel. They stopped German bombers from reaching Britain. Hamilton Upton was a pilot officer during this time.
On July 12, he and three other pilots worked together. They destroyed a German Heinkel He 111 bomber. This happened north of Portsmouth. On August 8, German planes attacked ships. Upton's squadron was sent to fight them. He shot down two Junkers Ju 87 dive bombers. His plane then had engine trouble. He had to make an emergency landing.
Upton continued to fight bravely. On August 13, he shot down a Dornier Do 17 bomber. Two days later, he destroyed a Junkers Ju 88 bomber. On August 16, he destroyed three more Ju 87s. His own plane was hit by enemy fire. He had to land on a beach. August 18 was called 'The Hardest Day'. On this day, Upton shot down another Ju 87. He also destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter. On September 4, he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 110 fighter. Soon after, No. 43 Squadron moved north for a rest.
In late September, Upton moved to No. 607 Squadron. He was a flight commander there. The squadron was at Tangmere and flew Hurricanes. German air attacks were slowing down. Upton did not get any more victories. In October, the squadron moved again. They patrolled convoys and trained new pilots.
Later War Duties
In December 1940, Upton went to a special school. He trained to become an instructor. On February 1, 1941, he was promoted. He became a flying officer. He also received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award was for his bravery and dedication. He spent many months teaching new pilots. He taught in the United Kingdom and Canada. On February 1, 1942, he was promoted again. He became a flight lieutenant.
Upton had injuries from his crash landings. These injuries caused him health problems. He received medical care for his back. For the last year of the war, he worked as a fighter controller. He helped direct fighter planes from the ground.
Life After the War
In July 1945, the war in Europe ended. Upton transferred to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). He served in the RCAF until 1953. Then, he retired from the military.
He first lived in Ontario. He worked for a radio station. Soon after, he moved to Nova Scotia. He lived in Truro. There, he worked in sales and advertising. Hamilton Upton died in Truro on August 1, 1965. He was 53 years old. He was buried at Robie Street Cemetery in Truro.
Hamilton Upton is credited with shooting down eleven German aircraft. One of these was shared with other pilots. He also claimed one German plane was probably destroyed.
