Tim Elkington facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tim Elkington
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|---|---|
| Birth name | John Francis Durham Elkington |
| Nickname(s) | Tim |
| Born | 23 December 1920 Edgbaston, Birmingham, England |
| Died | 1 February 2019 (aged 98) London, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939 – 1975 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit | No. 1 Squadron RAF No. 601 Squadron RAF No. 134 Squadron RAF No. 539 Squadron RAF No. 197 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars |
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| Awards |
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| Other work | Founder of picture-framing business |
John Francis Durham Elkington (1920 – 2019), known as "Tim," was a brave British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot. He flew fighter planes during the Battle of Britain, a very important air battle in World War II. He was one of the last pilots from that time known as "The Few".
Contents
Early Life and School
Tim Elkington was born in Edgbaston, near Birmingham, England, on December 23, 1920. He was the only child of Alan and Isabel Elkington. He went to school at Hockley Heath and then at Bedford School.
Becoming an RAF Pilot
Elkington joined the Royal Air Force in September 1939. This was just when World War II was starting. He began his training to become a pilot at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
Training and First Missions
He trained for several months to learn how to fly. By July 1940, he became an officer. Just one day later, he joined No. 1 Squadron RAF at RAF Northolt. Here, he flew Hawker Hurricane planes.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
Tim Elkington quickly became part of the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where the RAF defended Britain from German attacks. On August 15, 1940, he shot down his first enemy plane, a Messerschmitt Bf 109.
The very next day, he was shot down himself and got hurt. After getting better in the hospital, he returned to his squadron in October 1940.
Adventures in Russia and Beyond
After some time as a flight instructor, Elkington joined No. 134 Squadron RAF in July 1941. This squadron went on a special mission to Russia. They sailed on a ship called HMS Argus.
In Russia, Elkington helped protect bombers and even taught Russian pilots how to fly the Hurricane. He shot down a German bomber over Russia in October 1941. He came back to Britain in early 1942.
He continued to fly different types of planes, including the Hawker Typhoon. He served in various squadrons, including No. 67 Squadron RAF in India, until 1946.
After the War
Tim Elkington stayed in the Royal Air Force for many years after World War II ended. He had a long and interesting career. He even flew Avro Shackleton planes in Northern Ireland.
He was promoted several times, becoming a Squadron Leader in 1946 and a Wing Commander in 1961. He finally retired from the RAF on his birthday, December 23, 1975.
Life After the RAF
After leaving the Royal Air Force, Tim Elkington started his own business. He opened a shop that focused on art and picture-framing. He passed away on February 1, 2019, at the age of 98.
