The Airmen's Stories - Sub/Lt.(FAA) P C S Chilton

Patrick Charles Stuart Chilton was born on 15th February 1921 and educated at Blundell's School. He joined the Navy in 1938 and was commissioned in January 1939. His initial flying training was carried out at 20 ERFTS Gravesend.

Above: Chilton (left) with Lt. B Paterson when they were instructing at No.2 Fighter School at Henstridge in 1942. Image courtesy of Andrew Thomas.

He was posted to 804 Squadron at Hatston on 1st July 1940, to fly Gladiators on dockyard defence. On 19th October 1940 he was posted to 771 Squadron.

Later Chilton served with 805 Squadron in the Western Desert, with 881 Squadron on the carrier HMS Illustrious and then commanded 1843 Squadron on the escort carrier HMS Arbiter in the Far East.

In late 1945 Chilton commanded the School of Naval Air Warfare and 748 Squadron at St. Merryn. He became senior naval test pilot in the UK and spent two years on test duties with the US Navy.

He commanded 806 Squadron, became CFI at the Fighter School at Lossiemouth, commanded the Flying Wing at Bedford and was Commandant of the Empire Test Pilots School at Boscombe Down from 1968 until he retired on 5th April 1971 as a Captain.

He was awarded the AFC (gazetted 1st January 1959).

Chilton died on 23rd July 1995.