The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. E C Hatton

Edward Christopher Hatton was born on 7th May 1910 in Streatham, London, the son of Christopher Hatton (1880-??) and May Craddock Hatton (nee Laurence 1877-1972).

His father appears in the 1911 Census as a Commercial Traveller for a Brewery.

EC Hatton was educated at Whitgift School, Croydon and after leaving became a wine merchant. He married Margaret Frances O'Dwyer in October 1938 in Romford.

Hatton enlisted in the RAFVR in early 1940.serving with 604 Squadron as a LAC in June 1940. On 11th October he flew an operational sortie which qualified him for the Clasp. He was then a Sergeant.

With the advent of Beaufighters and Airborne Interception, many air gunners were posted away to bomber squadrons. Hatton’s name last appears in the 604 ORB on 26th October 1940.

He was killed on 7th September 1941 whilst flying in Wellington IC X9705 DJ-J of No 149 Squadron which failed to return from a raid to Berlin. He is buried in Reichswald Forest War Cemetery.

Also lost were:

Sgt. SD Chamberlain
Sgt. JM Dixon RCAF
Sgt. GW Fenton
Sgt. MMcL Keswick RCAF
Sgt. WR Malkemus RCAF

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In 2006 a plaque was unveiled at Whitgift School, Croydon, bearing the names of the eight 'old boys' who had served in the Battle of Britain