15 Facts About Newell Orton

Newell Orton was officially credited with the destruction of 17 enemy aircraft.

Newell Orton flew extensively during the Phoney War and the subsequent Battle of France.

Newell Orton was wounded on 15 May 1940 when his Hawker Hurricane fighter was shot down and was repatriated to England for hospital treatment for burns.

Newell Orton, nicknamed Fanny, was born in 1915 in Warwick, England, and was educated locally at King's High School and then proceeding to Leamington Technical College.

Newell Orton joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1935 and was a qualified pilot with the rank of sergeant.

Newell Orton became a flying ace, credited with five German aircraft destroyed.

Newell Orton was the squadron's second ace of the war, his fellow pilot Edgar Kain being the first.

Newell Orton promptly shot down a Do 17 in the morning and a Bf 110 in the afternoon.

Later, during the same patrol, the formation again came in action with 12 enemy aircraft and during this engagement Flying Officer Newell Orton attacked a Messerschmitt 109 and, it is believed, destroyed it.

Newell Orton was repatriated to England and spent the next several weeks in hospital, missing the Battle of Britain.

Newell Orton returned to active operations in July 1941, when he was posted to No 242 Squadron on a short-term basis.

Newell Orton claimed a Bf 109 as probably destroyed during his service with the squadron and at the end of the month was given command of No 54 Squadron, operating from Hornchurch.

Newell Orton was one of three pilots of the squadron that were shot down and killed.

Newell Orton is believed to have probably destroyed one Bf 109 before his death.

Newell Orton is credited with 17 aircraft destroyed, eight probably destroyed, and four damaged.