The Airmen's Stories - P/O D C Winter

Douglas Cyril Winter, of South Shields, was born on 7th June 1914, the son of Douglas Curle Winter and Margaret Winter (nee Pattinson).

He was educated at Westoe Secondary School.

Winter joined the RAF in September 1929 as an Aircraft Apprentice and passed out in August 1932 as a Fitter (Armourer). He saw service in Egypt and Palestine and represented the RAF in athletics and shooting, being awarded two medals at Bisley.

He married Marjorie Stewart in July 1939 in York.

Winter later applied for pilot training and was selected. He completed his training and was serving with 72 Squadron at Church Fenton on 14th October 1939 as a Sergeant.

He was commissioned on 1st April 1940.

Over Dunkirk on 2nd June Winter destroyed a Ju87 and on the 29th he shared in the destruction of a Do17 NW off Holy Island.

On 15th August he destroyed two Me110s and on 1st September he destroyed a Me109.

Winter was shot down by a Me109 on 5th September and was killed when he attempted to bale out too low.

His Spitfire, X4013, crashed into Covert Wood, Elham.

Winter was 26. He is buried in Harton Cemetery, South Shields.

Above image courtesy of Mary Varley.