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Remembered Today:

AC1, Charles Henry Dalton, RAF, 15th Nov, 1920


RFT

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Likely Casualty of 47 Squadron South Russia.

100 Years ago today, 15th Nov, 1920.

Remembering 52001, AC1, Charles Henry Dalton, RAF,

Aged 35 years.

Charles Henry Dalton, a 31 year old Electrician and family man of Dulwich Village, London, entered the RFC 13/12/16 transferring to the RAF on the day of its formation (1/4/18).

According to the RAF record of service, Mr Dalton was posted to 17 Squadron (13/12/16) and thence on 16/4/18 to 150 Squadron (founded in Apr, 1918 with elements of 17 & 47 Squadron).  A brief note in the record also confirms "Retained for Army of Occupation 6/3/19."  Record also confirms Mr Dalton was placed on Strength of 47 Squadron South Russia.  Rather oddly, the service record documents acknowleges overseas service in Malta, 1/2/17 to 9/10/19, however this latter has to be incorrect for he is known to be in South Russia in July 1919.

Little is documented in the squadron's records concerning Mr Dalton's South Russia war service but it does tell us that he was hospitalised (south Russia) on the 20/7/19 and discharged a month later, 18/8/19.  Whether or not he was fit for duty at this time is not known but seven weeks later, 10/10/19, Mr Dalton moved from 47 Squadron South Russia, to RAF Depot (Hampshire) and thence, on the 10/12/19, to RAF "G" Reserve.  He was "Deemed discharged," 30th Apr., 1920. 

Seven months after discharge and at the age of 35 years, Charles Henry Dalton passed away at his London home, 49 Dekker Road, Dulwich.  Incidentally, a note in the RAF service record states "Died 1921 or before."

Certificate of death confirms occupation as "Electrician Ex Mechanic Royal Air Force 52001." 

Cause of death - "1. Tubercular Peritonitis  2. Intestinal Obstruction." 

[Note: Tuberculosis was prevalent in South Russia at this time (1919) as witness other airmen who were struck down with this disease].

Mr Dalton was survived by his widow Mrs Eliza E. Dalton and at least one child, a daughter, Winnifred Joan (b.1914). 

Shortly after her husband's demise (19/11/20), Mrs Dalton's application for Widow's Pension was duly submitted to the Ministry of Pensions and approved in the sum of 26/8 plus 10/- for children (the statutory amount granted to a widow (with children) of a deceased Private/Airman whose death was a consequence of active service), backdated to 16th Nov 1920.  Incidentally, death of a serviceman during the war from causes not attributable to military service would only have attracted a pension of 15/- a week!  

Regretfully, the name of Charles Henry Dalton will not be found among the registers of the C.W.G.C.  Despite the death certificate, the reference to his death in the service record and the pension award, it is has been made known to me that this in itself is not sufficient evidence to back-up the claim for inclusion in said registers (which still remains a puzzle to me as this man's death was a consequence of active service)!  It is my sincere wish that one day someone may come across this topic and who may be equipped to shed more light on this matter with a view to giving this man the due recognition he rightly deserves.

Suffice to add Mr Dalton was awarded the British War & Victory Medals and these were duly dispatched to Mrs Dalton, 22/9/21.  One hundred years later, the British War Medal is held in safe hands but the whereabouts of the Victory Medal is unknown.

"He is gone but certainly not forgotten."

Edited by RFT
Revised and updated 01/11/2023
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