The Airmen's Stories - F/O C N Overton

Charles Nevil Overton was born at Navenby, Lincolnshire on 25th September 1919. His grandfather was a tenant on the Blankney Estate up until 1910 and his father George mainly farmed land in Navenby, Wellingore and Welbourn parishes.

Charles was educated at St. Hughs School, Woodhall Spa and Denstone College, Staffordshire.

He joined the RAF on a short service commission and began his initial flying course at 13 E&RFTS White Waltham on 17th January 1938.

He moved to 8 FTS Montrose on 9th April and with the course completed he was posted to the School of Naval Co-operation at Ford on 29th October 1938.

In late September 1939 Overton joined 17 Squadron at Debden. He became ill but after recovering moved to 609 Squadron at Drem on 28th November 1939. Over Dunkirk on 31st May 1940 he destroyed a Me109 and shared a He111. Overton damaged a Ju88 on 18th July, destroyed a Me110 and probably another on 12th August and destroyed two Ju87's on the 13th.

He was appointed 'A' Flight Commander on 22nd February 1941 and soon after he was posted to 59 OTU Crosby-on-Eden as an instructor.

In December 1941 Overton joined 145 Squadron at Catterick as a Flight Commander. He went with it to the Middle East in February 1942 and took command in April, at Helwan. It became operational in early June, the first Spitfire squadron in the Western Desert. On 3rd June Overton damaged a Me109 and on the 10th he destroyed one.

He was posted away to 239 Wing Desert Air Force in August 1942 and was awarded the DFC (gazetted 6th October 1942).

After leaving the Wing Overton was at HQ Desert Air Force as Wing Commander Ops. In late 1944 he was posted to Malta, as Training Officer.

Overton returned to the UK in September 1945 and was released in June 1946 as a Wing Commander.

He farmed at Heath Farm, Wellingore (the former RAF Wellingore) Lincolnshire from 1946 and died in October 1998.

Images courtesy of Richard Overton