The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. H A Bolton

Henry Albert Bolton, of West Hartlepool, was born in July 1919, the son of Herbert Sainty Bolton and Margaret Bolton (nee Bainbridge).

He joined the RAFVR about July 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

He was called up on 1st September 1939 and after his elementary training he moved to 2 FTS Brize Norton on 25th March 1940 on No. 46 Course.

After completing his training on 11th July Bolton joined 79 Squadron at Acklington two days later. The squadron moved south on the 27th to Biggin Hill.

On 30th August Bolton probably destroyed a Me109. Next day he was shot down in combat over Kenley in Hurricane V7200.

He was killed while attempting to make a forced-landing at Haliloo Farm, Warlingham.

Bolton was 21.

He is buried in Stranton Cemetery, Hartlepool.

His father died on 29th August 1941 in Ilkley Hospital, Yorkshire.

Below: he is also commemorated in a memorial window in St. Aidans Church, Hartlepool.