Walter H. Longton
| Walter Hunt Longton | |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | "Scruffy" |
| Born |
10 September 1892 Whiston, Lancashire |
| Died | 6 June 1927 (aged 34) Bournemouth, Dorset |
| Buried at | Upavon Cemetery |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
Royal Flying Corps Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Unit |
No. 24 Squadron RAF No. 85 Squadron RAF No. 58 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | First World War |
| Awards |
Distinguished Flying Cross & Two Bars Air Force Cross |
| Other work | Air racing and trials during the 1920s |
Walter Hunt Longton DFC & Two Bars, AFC (10 September 1892 – 6 June 1927) was an English flying ace of the First World War, credited with 11 confirmed aerial victories. Most unusually for a British or Commonwealth ace, all his victories resulted in the destruction of his foe.
Postwar, he became very involved in air racing, aviation exhibitions, and various competitive air events while continuing his military aviation career.
On 29 April 1916, Private Longton was commissioned a temporary second lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. On 12 July 1916, he was appointed a Flying Officer in the RFC; such appointments customarily were made at the end of a pilot's training.
By mid-1918, he was posted to 85 Squadron as a Royal Aircraft Factory SE.5a pilot. On 3 June 1918, he was awarded the Air Force Cross by King George V. He would not score his first aerial victory until 7 July 1918, when he destroyed a German Fokker D.VII fighter plane over Doulieu. He destroyed three more enemy planes in July: a Hannover two-seater reconnaissance craft on the 10th, an Albatros two-seater on the 14th, and a Pfalz D.III on the 24th.
On 5 August, he became an ace, shooting down an Albatros reconnaissance aircraft in flames. His next success, on 22 August 1918, not only gained him another victory, but was cited as a major reason for his receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross:
On the 22nd August this officer led his formation of six machines to attack an equal number of enemy scouts. All the latter were accounted for, four being crashed and the remaining two driven down out of control. A brilliant performance, reflecting the greatest credit on this officer as leader, and all who took part in this engagement. During the last seven weeks Lieutenant Longton has destroyed seven enemy machines.
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