The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. F W R Litson

Frederick William Ronald Litson was born in 1918 at Ystalyfera, Glamorganshire and educated at Wern School, Ystalyfera and Brendon School in Devon.

He joined the RAFVR in September 1939 as an Airman u/t Air Gunner. He completed his training and joined 141 Squadron in early 1940. He was posted to 307 (Polish) Squadron at Kirton-in-Lindsey on 31st August 1940.

Above: Litson being presented with his DFC by the King, date and location currently unknown.

Commissioned in May 1943, Litson was awarded the DFC (gazetted 10th December 1943) as a Pilot Officer with 429 (RCAF) Squadron, operating in Halifaxes from Leeming in Yorkshire.

His citation stated that he had "completed many successful operations against the enemy in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty."

He was released from the RAF in 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant. Litson was commissioned in the Royal Air Force Reserve of Officers in December 1946.

Above: seated centre of front row, possibly postwar.

Litson died on 16th December 1962 in Exeter.

All images courtesy of Ian Hobbs (grandson).