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G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFCAuthor: AndyLong
Time Stamp:
08:40:24 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
Morning all!
While continuing my research into F/Lt Gerry Chalk DFC, I received the 'In Memoriam' list from Malvern College (he was a Master there from 1934 - 1938) and there are some interesting names on there, i.e Basil Way of 54 Squadron killed in July 1940, and William Warner of 610 Squadron, killed the following month.
One which grabbed my attention was G/C Appleton, who was a pupil there from 1920 - 1924. He was killed on August 12th 1944 as Leader of 124 Wing over Normandy, and is buried on Banneville-la-Campagne Cemetery.
Can anyone give me leads onto his demise please? My FCL are out at the moment.
Many thanks from a very snowy Worcestershire
Andy
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: ChrisThomas
Time Stamp:
09:10:59 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
Appleton was OC 124 Wing at B.6 in Normandy - not the 'Wing Leader' (Wg Cdr Ops) and as such would not normally fly on ops. However, on the day in question, having arrived to take command late in July, he decided to fill the gap when a 247 Sqn op was one short at the last minute (can't recall the reason). He borrowed Sqn Ldr McNair's ZY-G MN928 to join the formation; unfortunately he was shot down by flak near Flers.
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: AndyLong
Time Stamp:
09:24:04 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
Chris,
Thanks for that - I stand corrected. I wrongly assumed that he was Wing Leader, but your information put me straight on that one.
Has anyone researched this pilot? With a list of decorations and a Croix de Guerre as well, he must have a very interesting career.
Once again, many7 thanks Chris. BTW, did you ever find out the ID of that Tempest fuselage I photographed - I sent you a photo with the V1 kill emblems still painted on the side?
Kind Regards
Andy
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: ChrisThomas
Time Stamp:
10:41:25 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
I know Appleton had lost a leg while serving in N Africa - as a result of a Ju88 raid on an airfield.
Have sent you an email re the Tempest photo.
CT
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: HughAHalliday
Time Stamp:
12:18:26 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
APPLETON, Charles Henry, W/C (24139, Royal Air Force) - No.77 Squadron - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 9 July 1940. Born 1906 at Ballincolig, Ireland, educated at Bramcote Preparatory School, Scarborough, Malvern, and Marlborough College. Home at Marandellas, Southern Rhodesia. Obtained Short Service Commission as Pilot Officer on Probation, 2 September 1927. To No.41 Squadron, 1 September 1928. Confirmed as Pilot Officer, 2 September 1928. Promoted Flying Officer, 2 March 1929. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 June 1932. Granted Permanent Commission, 22 June 1932. To Armoured Car Section, Aden, 29 December 1933. Upgraded as Instructor from Category A.2 to A.1, August 1936. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 June 1937. At the outbreak of war he commanded No.77 (Bomber) Squadron. Appointed Acting Wing Commander, 1 June 1940; Mentioned in Despatches 9 July 1940 or 11 July 1940. Awarded DFC, 9 July 1940 (No.77 Squadron). Appointed Commanding Officer of No.604 Squadron (Beaufighter night fighters), February 1941. On 28/29 May 1941 scored confirmed kill, HE.111 over Flintshire. Awarded Czech War Cross, 12 January 1942 for "courage and gallantry displayed in carrying out operational lights over Prague in 1940." Promoted Group Captain, 1 September 1942. Given command of No.322 Wing. Awarded CBE, 2 June 1943. Group Captain C.H. Appleton, CBE, DSO, DFC killed 12 August 1944 while flying Typhoon MN928 (a No.247 Sqn aircraft) commanding No.124 Wing in Normandy. Buried at Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery, Normandy. Public Record Office Air 2/6080 has citation to DFC.
"By his zeal and personal example, this officer has brought his squadron to a very high state of operational efficiency. He has flown regularly on operations during nine months of war and, as a squadron commander, has set a splendid example in operational flying."
APPLETON, Charles Henry, W/C, DFC (24139, Royal Air Force) - No.604 Squadron - Distinguished Service Order - awarded as per London Gazette dated 5 August 1941. Other awards reported to include Croix de Guerre and Czech War Cross, although no London Gazette authority found. Text transcribed from Royal Air Force Quarterly.
"This officer has commanded the squadron since February 1941, and by his sound organization, drive, energy and high skill in flying, has enabled it to attain a splendid record in night fighting. Whilst under his inspiring leadership the squadron has destroyed at least 45 enemy aircraft at night and damaged many others. He has personally destroyed two and damaged two enemy aircraft."
APPLETON, Charles Henry, G/C, DSO, DFC (24139, Royal Air Force) - Mention in Despatches - awarded as per London Gazette dated 1 January 1943. Public Record Office Air 2/8769 has recommendation (apparently for a Croix de Guerre) which became the basis of this award.
"In preparation for the raid on Dieppe on 19th August 1942, the sector under the command of Group Captain Appleton assembled and housed no less than 19 squadrons. The arrangements made for the reception and servicing of this force provided an example of efficient organization. During the prolonged operations, some 80 squadron sorties were successfully completed. The results achieved by these squadrons, and the precision with which they were controlled reflect high credit on the Sector Commander. His untiring efforts, keenness and efficiency were most commendable."
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: John Larder (Guest)
Time Stamp:
16:04:46 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
Andy
Is there any chance of getting a copy of the "In memoriam"?
There is a picture of the aircraft and a bried mention of his loss in "Rise from the East" Story of 247 Sq. by D.J. Marchant (Air Britain) and a brief biograph in " Those Other Eagles" by Chris Shores. I can't lay my hand on it but one of the Normandy books has a picture of the field grave of G/C Appleton.
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: AndyLong
Time Stamp:
18:02:31 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
John,
No problem, though the format has been modernised, however I can get you a copy of the original.
Just contact me off board so I know where to send it.
Kind Regards
Andy
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: AndyLong
Time Stamp:
19:23:52 Thursday, August 2, 2007
Post:
Whoops!
Meant to say, thanks Hugh for the citations - much appreciated. If there's anything I can do in return let me know - I'm at Kew a lot this year.
Kind Regards
Andy
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: Terry
Time Stamp:
07:59:16 Sunday, September 2, 2007
Post:
Gents, In regard to Appleton's m.i.d. in 1940 it is wef 11 Jul 40; Ref: Supplement (LG 34893 dated 11 Jul 40) to LG dated 9 Jul 40. Also the Czechoslovak Military Cross is wef 1943; Ref: Second Supplement (LG 35858 dated 12 Jan 43) to LG dated 8 Jan 43. Regards, Terry
RE: G/C Charles Appleton CBE DSO DFC
Author: bostonspa
Time Stamp:
08:51:16 Sunday, September 2, 2007
Post:
Andy
Don't seem to be able work the system. My e-mail address is bostonspaATaol.com or address is 28, Fountains Ave., Boston Spa, LS23 6PX