WW2 ‘Special Duties’ D.F.C. Medal Group of Five with Log Book – Flt. Lt. (Navigator) R.H. Sutton, 161 (Special Duties) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Richard Harry Sutton born 21st April 1923 on the Isle of Wight and died in Shanklin, Isle of Wight 5th August 2007. He joined the RAF in 1942 and trained as a navigator. His first flight was in a Commodore over Miami and the Florida Keys on 14th August 1942. He returned to the UK and commenced flying in Ansons 3rd February 1943 at No 53 Air Observers Advanced Navigation Course at Bobbington, 12th April 1943 commenced flying in Whitleys at No 24 Operational Training Unit,  and later No 10 Operational Training Unit at St Eval and finally 138 Conversion Unit. Joined 161 (Special Duties) Squadron 1st August 1943 and first operational sortie recorded on 11th August 1943. In August 1943, Sutton records six special operations to enemy occupied France, in September five special operations to France, one to Belgium and on 21st September one to Norway. In October he records a further two special operations to France and three to Norway.

November 1943 a further three special operations to France and one to Norway and in December one to France and one to Norway. Returning after a Christmas break, operations commence again on 4th January 1944 with three to France, one to Norway and one to Germany, his last special operation is recorded on 6th March 1944 (no country mentioned). Joining No 14 Operational Training Unit 31st March 1944 flying Wellingtons, he returned to 161 Squadron 21st April 1945 and during April flew two special operations to Norway and one to Holland, in May his last special operation was to Norway on 2nd May 1945 and on 9th May 1945 did a leaflet drop over Bergen, Norway. Posted to 46 Squadron in Stirling Aircraft 20th July 1945, to 242 Squadron 30th August 1945 and back to 46 Squadron 4th November 1945. Posted to Transport Command at Wymeswold 27th March 1946 in Dakota aircraft his last flight on 21st June 1946.