United Kingdom. A Second War DFC with Caterpillar Club Pin to P/O Burton, 1944

A Distinguished Flying Cross, in silver, full size, reverse 6 o’clock arm engraved 1944, worn on original ribbon with horizontal pin on the back, the cross is in extremely fine condition. 

A Caterpillar Club Pin on the ribbon, in Gold and enamel, the reverse engraved SGT. W. R. BURTON with a horizontal pin, measures 19.4 mm (w) x 4.5 mm (h), in extremely fine condition. 

The DFC is contained in the original case of issue, a black leatherette exterior impressed D.F.C. on the lid (gilt missing), the interior is marked ROYAL MINT on the lid, with a creme coloured velvet medalbed, measures 150 mm (w) x 80 mm (h) x 20 mm (d), light wear, functional hinge and clasp, near extremely fine condition. 

Footnote: William Robert Burton was born in December 1922 in St. Thomas, Ontario. He enlisted for the Second War in London, Ontario on July 12, 1941. He was stationed at No. 1 Manning Depot in September 1941, and later to No. 1 Equipment Depot in mid October 1941. He graduated and was promoted LAC and Sergeant on February 16, 1942. Burton was stationed overseas with the RAF on March 12, 1942. 

He was promoted to flight sergeant on January 6, 1943, and to warrant officer on July 6, 1943. By September 1944, he was a flying officer.

His first tour was with the No. 40 Squadron (September 1 1942-June 1 1943), which totalled 39 sorties and 200 hours of flight. The second tour with No. 429 Squadron was from July 9 to August 31, 1944. He flew 16 trips, totalling 75 hours. 

His DFC recommendation was dated December 10, 1944, from No. 434 Squadron. This credits him with 56 sorties (313 hours, 45 minutes), including an incident on January 1, 1943 in which the plane was shot up and he bailed out. He spent three weeks in the interior of West Africa prior to being rescued. 

W/C.A.P. Blackburn’s submission of December 10 1944 reads: “This officer has completed fifty-five sporties against the enemy. On his first tour of operations in the Middle East theatre of war, he displayed great courage, fortitude and devotion to duty of the highest order. On several occasions he was attacked by fighters but with great skill and valor succeeded in evading the attacks. His enthusiasm for operation work and eagerness to come to grips with the enemy has been most inspiring at all times. He is most efficient as an air gunner and crew member. It is considered that his fine operation record, cheerfulness and determination fully merit the award of the D.F.C.”