The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. H S Newton

Harry Snow Newton was born on 13th July 1920 in Nottingham. He attended Claremont School then was employed by Readman Builders on the Hillwell Estates at Chilwell.

He joined 504 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force and served as an AC2 photographer.

In April 1939 he joined the RAFVR as an Airman u/t Pilot and began flying at 27 E&RFTS Tollerton. Called to full-time service on 1st September 1939, Newton was posted to 8 FTS Montrose for No. 15 Course which ran from 10th December 1939 to 10th May 1940.

With his training completed he arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 18th May, converted to Hurricanes and joined 111 Squadron at Croydon on 25th May 1940.

On 11th August Newton made a crash-landing on the marshes near Boyton, near Martlesham Heath, in Hurricane P3548, out of fuel after combat over Thanet.

On the 16th and the 18th Newton destroyed Do17s. After his victory on the 18th during a low-level attack on Kenley, Newton’s Hurricane, P3943, was set alight by return fire and he baled out over Botley Hill Farm, Tatsfield, with burns. He rejoined the squadron on 10th October 1940.

In February 1941 Newton was posted to the Air Navigation School at Staverton as a staff pilot. He moved to 5 B&GS Jurby in April, on similar duties. Commissioned from Flight Sergeant in August 1942, he later flew as a staff pilot at 11 Air Gunners School, Andreas, Isle of Man.

He was awarded the AFC (gazetted 1st September 1944) and released from the RAF in June 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant. He rejoined later the same year and retired on 13th July 1975 as a Squadron Leader.

Over a long flying career Newton logged 10,000 hours.

He died on 30th June 1996.