Pilot gave up 'chute' is decorated by the King. 24-year-old Paul Alexander Hilton, a warrant officer of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserves went to Buckingham Palace this morning (Tuesday) to receive the Conspicuous Medal (flying) from his Majesty the King. When piloting a badly damaged bomber over Germany, Hilton gave his parachute to a comrade who could not jump because his parachute was damaged. Ordering the crew to abandon the aircraft, Hilton force landed the bomber, was thrown clear, and taken prisoner. Both his parents were also POWs. They fell into Japanese hands when Singapore fell
Image details
Contributor:
Smith Archive / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
2Y731MWFile size:
63.2 MB (1.8 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
5344 x 4134 px | 45.2 x 35 cm | 17.8 x 13.8 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
23 April 1946Photographer:
Smith ArchiveMore information:
This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.
Pilot gave up 'chute' is decorated by the King. 24-year-old Paul Alexander Hilton, a warrant officer of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserves went to Buckingham Palace this morning (Tuesday) to receive the Conspicuous Medal (flying) from his Majesty the King. When piloting a badly damaged bomber over Germany, Hilton gave his parachute to a comrade who could not jump because his parachute was damaged. Ordering the crew to abandon the aircraft, Hilton force landed the bomber, was thrown clear, and taken prisoner. Both his parents were also POWs. They fell into Japanese hands when Singapore fell, and Mrs Hilton died while captive, Paul Hilton lives at Welwyn, Herts, is an old student of King Edward School, Southhampton and Brighton Grammar School and technical College, and is at present a student with the de Havilland aircraft company. 23 July 1946