Ralph Wolton Battle Of Britain WW2 152 Squadron Hand Signed FDC

STB042   A vintage original hand signed cover by WW2 veteran Ralph Wolton of 152 Squadron and limited to only 15 for worldwide distribution with official hand frank on the front authenticating his signature numbered 14 of the 15 series on reverse (see image 2) in outstanding condition.

Wolton volunteered for pilot training and after returning to the UK in September 1938, he began his initial training at 9 E&RFTS Ansty. He moved on to 10 FTS Tern Hill, completing his training in October 1939 and joining 152 Squadron, then forming at Acklington. On 15th August Wolton was shot down into the sea off Chesil Beach. He was able to escape from his Spitfire uninjured and swam to a buoy, from where he was picked up. He claimed a Ju88 destroyed on 26th September. Wolton was thrown out of his aircraft when a wing fell off at 15,000 feet on 11th October.

Commissioned in March 1941, Wolton moved to 51 OTU Cranfield on 8th April 1942 to instruct on night fighters. He joined 153 Squadron at Ballyhalbert, Northern Ireland on 20th January 1943. After it was disbanded on 13th March he went to 96 Squadron at Honiley.

From 18th May to 6th August 1943 Wolton was attached to 417 Squadron (USAAF) to convert its crews to Beaufighters. He then went to 63 OTU at Honiley until 27th October when he rejoined 96 Squadron, then at Drem. The squadron was disbanded on 17th December 1944 at Odiham and Wolton went to 239 Squadron at West Raynham, flying Mosquitos on radio countermeasures.