Portrait of Wg Cdr Raymond Hilton DSO DFC* and group photograph of 83 Squadron

‘Ray’ Hilton was the pilot of our Lancaster R5868 on the first of its 137 operations, to Wilhelmshaven on 8 July 1942. Hilton captained the aircraft on a further 17 operations.

After a first tour of operations with No. 214 and No. 83 Squadrons, Ray was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. On his second tour, again with No. 83 Squadron, he was awarded a Bar to the DFC for his skill, courage and fortitude on an operation to Essen, when they were attacked by German fighters. He received his Distinguished Service Order from King George VI at Buckingham Palace in March 1943, and was subsequently killed on operations in November 1943.