Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce Second War 1941 Sunderland Navigator’s D.F.M. group of six awarded to Flight Lieutenant H. Morton, Royal Air Force, who had flown in at least 76 operational sorties with 228 Squadron by the end of March 1941; many of which had been flown from Kalafrana, Malta.

He distinguished himself as a ‘courageous Air Gunner when his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters. On 1st November 1940, he removed a casualty from the rear turret and fought the rear guns during five attacks by a Macchi 200, causing it to break away... he achieved this with only one control as the other had been shot away previously...’

Flight Lieutenant Morton was killed in action, still serving with 228 Squadron, whilst carrying out an anti-submarine patrol over the Bay of Biscay, 6 January 1944

Distinguished Flying Medal, G.VI.R. (522241. Sgt. H. Morton. R.A.F.); 1939-45 Star; Atlantic Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals 1939-45, mounted of card for display, generally very fine or better (6) £1,800-£2,200

D.F.M. London Gazette 8 April 1941.
The original recommendation states: ‘Sergeant Morton has been an Air Observer in Sunderland aircraft continuously since the outbreak of war and has flown on 76 operational patrols, all of which have been of an arduous and exacting nature. The success of these patrols and recces has depended in no small degree on the skill of the Navigator and in particularly, Sergeant Morton has reached a very high level due to sheer painstaking attention to detail and being continuously on the job. Sergeant Morton has also proved himself a determined and courageous Air Gunner when his aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters. On 1st November, 1940, he removed a casualty from the rear turret and fought the rear guns during five attacks by a Macchi 200, causing it to break away. In all instances, he achieved this with only one control as the other had been shot away previously. Sergeant Morton has set an inspiring example to all members of the squadron, officers and airmen alike, by his continuous devotion to duty.’

Henry Morton was the son of Mr and Mrs H. Morton, and the husband of Eliza Morton of Fulwel, County Durham. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force in the summer of 1935, and served as a Navigator with 228 Squadron (Sunderlands) from the outbreak of the Second War. The Squadron was based at Pembroke Dock, but Detachments were sent to Invergordon and Sullom Voe for patrols between Scotland and Norway. The Squadron moved to Egypt when Italy entered the war in June 1940, with a detachment operating from Gibraltar.

228 Squadron moved to Kalafrana, Malta in September 1940, and from here undertook reconnaissance patrols for the Fleet and anti-submarine patrols. They continued to operate from this exposed position until moved to Alexandria, Egypt in March 1941. Morton advanced to Temporary Warrant Officer, prior to being commissioned Pilot Officer in February 1942. He advanced to Flying Officer in October of the same year, and subsequently advanced to Acting Flight Lieutenant.

Morton was still serving with 228 Squadron, by then from Pembroke Dock, when his Sunderland Mk 3 JM 709 was lost without trace on anti-submarine operations over the Bay of Biscay, 6 January 1944.

Flight Lieutenant Morton was reported as Missing in Action, presumed Killed in Action, and is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial.