Kenley's Few - Derrick Wilson "Wee Halty" Halton

Halton Road, Surrey, Kent

Born: 1919 in Northamptonshire
Died: 15 August 1940. Shot down over the English Channel, off Folkestone, Kent
Rank: Sergeant Pilot.  Service number: 748212

Derrick photographed while training

Derrick Wilson Halton was born in Northamptonshire in 1919. His father was John Wilson Halton, born Ulverston 1878, and Ethel M Ellis. His parents were married in Northampton early in 1912.

After leaving full-time education Derrick worked as a reporter on the Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph at Rushden and Kettering. In May 1939 he joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as an Airman under training Pilot.

Derrick was called up on 1 September and in the same month married Margaret (Peggy) Mather from Rushden.

Sergeant Derrick Halton and his wife Margaret (“Peggy”) Photo courtesy of Peter Halton)

From 11 December to 10 June 1940 Sergeant Pilot Derrick Halton was under training at 5 Flying Training School (FTS) at Sealand in Flintshire, Wales.  At that time 5FTS were equipped with Airspeed Oxfords.

Oxford Mk 1s of 6 FTS

Derrick was posted to 615 Squadron at Kenley on 18 June 1940.  Three days later he was sent to Uxbridge in Middlesex for a short course on radio/telegraphy procedure.  At some point soon after his Kenley posting, Derrick and Peggy moved into Fulford Road, Caterham-on-the-Hill, about half a mile from the airfield.

Sergeant Pilot Halton was now on the front line of Britain’s war with Germany.  Sadly he was not to remain so for long.

On 15 August 1940 twelve Hurricanes of 615 Squadron left Kenley at 1125 hours to patrol Dungeness, including Derrick flying Hurricane P2801 in ‘B’ flight.  Once airborne they were ordered to intercept two incoming raids of Ju 87s, escorted by Bf 109s. Near Folkestone ‘B’ flight was attacked by six of the escorting aircraft.  During the engagement a Hurricane was seen to dive into the sea after being attacked by two Bf109s and it is probable that this was Derrick’s aircraft.  His body was not recovered and he is commemorated on Panel 14 of the Runnymede Memorial.

A Messerschmitt Bf109 E-3, of III/JG 26, similar to the aircraft believed to have shot down Derrick Halton (Björn Huber – Creative Commons)

For a number of years there was some debate as to where Derrick’s aircraft came down, with some records saying “Seal” a village near Sevenoaks in Kent.  Given the contemporary reports regarding the action in which Derrick lost his life, this seems improbable and it is now felt that “Seal” should have read “Sea” or possibly “Deal”.

Sergeant Pilot Derrick Wilson Halton remains missing in action.

ONE OF THE FEW.

Written by David Meanwell, Chairman of RAFA: Kenley & Caterham branch.

The RAF Association (RAFA) is the largest single service membership organisation and the longest standing registered service charity that provides welfare support to the RAF Family – providing friendship, help and support to current and former members of the Royal Air Force and their dependants.
Receiving no government contributions, their work is completely funded by the generosity of members and supporters. Anyone can join, you don’t need to have been in the RAF. Find out more at http://www.kenley-rafa.org.uk/