Malvern College Second World War Casualty

G/Capt. Charles Henry Appleton C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C.

House and time at Malvern: Sch, 1920 - 1924.

Regiment: R.A.F..
Died: 12 August 1944 aged 38 in France. Missing, Normandy.
Battle: Operation Overlord: June – August 1944. Cemetery: Banneville-La-Campagne War Cemetery IV. C. 14.

Son of Capt. Henry M. Appleton and Maud Appleton,
Husband of Yvonne Marjarie Appleton, of Marandellas, Southern Rhodesia.
C.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., Croix de Guerre, Czech War Cross.
124 Wing. Royal Air Force.
Inscription: “DEATH IS ONLY AN HORIZON" 77 SQUADRON, 604 SQUADRON, TANGMERE. 322 WING, 124 WING”

'No. 124 Wing RAF was a Hawker Typhoon formation comprising of No. 137 Squadron RAF, No. 181 Squadron RAF, No. 182 Squadron RAF and No. 247 Squadron RAF.
On 10 June 1944 the wing took part in the Attack on Panzer Group West's headquarters at La Caine with 40 rocket-armed Typhoons which attacked in three waves from low altitude.'
Wikipedia

'Air Ministry, 5th August, 1941. ROYAL AIR FORCE. The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following awards in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: — Distinguished Service Order:
Wing Commander Charles Henry APPLETON, D.F.C. (24139), No. 604 Squadron.
This officer has commanded the squadron since February, 1941, and by his sound organisation, drive, energy, and high skill in flying has enabled it to attain a splendid record in night fighting. Whilst under his inspiring leadership, the squadron has destroyed at least 45 enemy aircraft at night and damaged many others.. He has personally destroyed two and damaged two enemy aircraft.'
London Gazette

Combat reports in May 1941 over the South of England and Flintshire

'Group Captain CHARLES HENRY APPLETON was pilot of Hawker Typhoon 1b MN928 'G' of 247 (Royal Air Force) Squadron. His aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire (flak) near Flers on Saturday the 12th August 1944. He was a Rhodesian pilot and had only one leg'.
Fallenheroesofnormandy.org

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