249 Squadron was formed on 18 August 1918 at Dundee as a seaplane squadron flying anti-submarine patrols along the east coast of Scotland. The Squadron was disbanded on 8 October 1919.
On 16 May 1940 the Squadron was reformed at RAF Church Fenton. Initially equipped with Spitfires, a month later the Squadron was re-equipped with Hurricanes. The Squadron was based at Boscombe Down during the initial part of the Battle of Britain, but in September 1940 it was moved forward to North Weald. Following the end of the Battle of Britain the Squadron went on to serve in Malta in 1941 and Italy in 1943. After the war the Squadron served in the Middle East during the Suez crisis. It was disbanded on 24 February 1969.
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August 23, 2010 at 8:54 pm
Gerald Broadhead
Patrick Bishop in his book Fighter Boys told of P/O Richard Barclay of 249 Squadron chasing down a Me 109 which then tried to crash- land near Manston. A Sergeant Pilot shot at the E/A causing it to crash in flames, at a time when Polish pilots fought bitterly against the Germans. On returning, Canadian Flight Lieutenant Robert “Butch” Barton tore a terrific strip off the Sergeant about his unsportsmanship, but after the bombing of Coventry British sensibilities hardened. As a National Service P/O personnel officer to Wing Cdr. Barton OBE DFC & Bar Station Commander at RAF Acklington, he never spoke to me of his over 11 enemy planes destroyed, or the Battle of Britain, or the Squadron’s part in the defence of Malta, or being wounded with second-degree burns. Testament to the courage, bravery and modest humility of the great men and women who fought in World War Two.
August 25, 2010 at 8:12 am
Gerald Broadhead
I believe Wing Commander Barton lived into his nineties.
September 5, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Gerald Broadhead
Flight Lieutenant R A Barton of 249 Squadron was shot down and wounded in his Hurricane 1 (V6625) over Shell Haven Essex, on the 5th September 1940 at 1940 at 15.30 hrs. by a Messerschmitt Bf 109.
On one day in late September, 249 Squadron destroyed 20 enemy aircraft.
October 7, 2010 at 9:34 am
Andrew Davidson
I am looking for the ORBs for the 249 Squadron for the early part of December 1940 especially 5 Dec 1940. I would appreciate if anyone has a copy, they would be willing to share for that particular day.
October 27, 2010 at 8:59 am
Gerald Broadhead
Wing Commander Barton retired from the RAF on the 27th February 1959. He returned to Canada and died aged 94 on the 2nd September 2010. His ashes were scattered on a lake in British Columbia on the 15th September, Battle of Britain Day.
An obituary has been published in the Telegraph which is a fine tribute to a remarkable leader in the Royal Air Force, and a very courageous man.
November 2, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Gerald Broadhead
There was a fine obituary to Wing Commander R A Barton, OBE DFC & Bar, who died in Canada on September 2 2010 aged 94, and published in The Telegraph. It can be found as; Wing Commander ‘Butch’ Barton – Telegraph.
The Times newspaper has also published an obituary for him today, November 2 2010, and is a tribute to a remarkable, unassuming man, and one of the pilot aces of World War 2 who was also recognised by example as a brave leader of men.