Roy Dutton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Roy Gilbert Dutton
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|---|---|
| Born | 2 March 1917 Hatton, British Ceylon |
| Died | 14 September 1988 (aged 71) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1970 |
| Rank | Air Commodore |
| Commands held | RAF Waterbeach (1955–58) RAF Seaton Snook (1954–55) No. 46 Squadron RAF (1946) No. 525 Squadron RAF (1945–46) No. 512 Squadron RAF (1945) No. 19 Squadron RAF (1941) No. 452 Squadron RAAF (1941) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches |
Air Commodore Roy Gilbert Dutton (March 2, 1917 – September 14, 1988) was a brave officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. During the Second World War, he flew Hurricane fighter planes. He is officially credited with 19 confirmed aerial victories.
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Early Life
Roy Gilbert Dutton was born on March 2, 1917. His birthplace was Hatton, which was then called British Ceylon. He later moved to England for his education.
Joining the Royal Air Force
Roy Dutton joined the Royal Air Force on August 24, 1936. He started as an acting pilot officer. This meant he was learning and proving himself. By June 1937, his position was made permanent. He was then officially a pilot officer. In January 1939, he was promoted to flying officer.
World War II Hero
When World War II began, Roy Dutton became a key pilot. On May 18, 1940, he was on patrol over Belgium. He successfully shot down two enemy Heinkel He 111 planes. The very next day, May 19, he shot down another Heinkel He 111. This happened while he was flying near Arras, France.
He continued to rise through the ranks. He became a flight lieutenant in September 1940. Later, he was promoted to squadron leader and then wing commander. These ranks meant he was leading groups of pilots and planes.
After the War
Roy Dutton stayed in the Royal Air Force after World War II ended. He continued his service and leadership roles. He retired from the RAF on December 3, 1970. When he retired, he was allowed to keep the high rank of air commodore.
Awards and Honors
Roy Dutton received many important awards for his bravery.
- Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC): He received this award on May 31, 1940. It was given for his "gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy." This means he showed great courage while flying missions against the enemy.
- Bar to his DFC: On August 20, 1940, he received a Bar to his DFC. A "Bar" means he earned the same award a second time. This showed his continued bravery.
- Distinguished Service Order (DSO): He was awarded the DSO on June 8, 1945. This award recognized his "gallantry and devotion to duty." It meant he was very brave and dedicated during air operations.
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE): In 1966, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This is a very high honor for his service.
He also served as an Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Queen Elizabeth II. This special role lasted from 1965 until his retirement in 1970.
His DFC Citation
When Roy Dutton received his first Distinguished Flying Cross, the official statement said: "In May 1940, while leading his squadron over Brussels, Flight Lieutenant Dutton attacked and shot down two Heinkel 111 aircraft. The next day, he saw many enemy bombers with fighter escorts. He bravely engaged the enemy fighters to protect his squadron while they attacked the bombers. He then shot down another Heinkel 111. Flight Lieutenant Dutton showed great initiative, bravery, and didn't worry about his own safety."
His DFC and Bar Citation
For his second Distinguished Flying Cross (the Bar), the statement said: "This officer has led patrols with great success. He has personally destroyed at least twelve enemy aircraft. He has shown excellent leadership and courage, always putting his duty first."
