Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Second World War D.F.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant A. Paton, No. 578 Squadron, Royal Air Force

DISTINGUISHED FLYING MEDAL, G.VI.R. (1825942 Sgt., R.A.F.); 1939-45 STAR; FRANCE AND GERMANY STAR; WAR MEDAL, good very fine (4)

D.F.M., London Gazette, 12 December, 1944. 'He has completed numerous air operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty.'

No. 578 Squadron formed part of 4 Group, Bomber Command; it was formed at Snaith, Yorks., on 14 January 1944; moved to Burn, Yorks, on 10 February 1944 and remained there until disbanded in April 1945. It was composed of Halifax Mk.III bombers, with some Pathfinder Mosquitoes. During its operations the squadron dropped 9,676 tons of bombs and expended 9,550 rounds of ammunition in air combat. It flew 2,721 operational sorties, during which several decorations were awarded including the Victoria Cross to Pilot Officer C.J. Barton.