The Airmen's Stories - P/O L G Burton

Leslie Gilbert Burton, of Harborne, Birmingham was born in October 1914, the son of George Gilbert Burton (1893-1973) and Lilian Burton (nee Williams).

His father, George Gilbert Burton, was born on 26th November 1893 and served as a Second Class Air Mechanic in the RFC in WW1. While still serving he qualified as a pilot and was awarded Aero certificate 5758 while stationed at the Military School in Dover.

Above: George Gilbert Burton RFC

In September 1939 he was running a newsagents in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

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Leslie Gilbert Burton was a representative of the Midland Electric Manufacturing Company, covering the Eastern Counties.

He joined the Aircraft Crew Section of the RAFVR in June 1939 as an Airman u/t Observer. He was called up on 1st September 1939 and on completion of his training in March 1940 was commissioned.

Above image courtesy of Richard Smith.

He joined 236 Squadron at North Coates on 11th March 1940.

After a period away from the squadron at No. 1 (C) OTU Silloth, Burton rejoined on 19th July. He was the first observer to fly on operations with the squadron, on 21st July 1940.

Burton was posted away to 431 Flight at Bircham Newton on 26th October 1940. He was killed on 24th December 1940 aged 26 when Maryland AR737 of No.1 Overseas Air Delivery Flight crashed at Leigh Park, Portsmouth after taking off from Thorney Island.

Also lost were:

P/O MFC Buckbarrow and Sgt. FN Meddings

Burton is buried in St. Peters churchyard, Harborne, Birmingham.

(The CWGC has been informed (May 2016) of the state of the grave)