Warrant Officer Alfred Harry Bolton DFM was the son of Alfred and Annie Bolton and husband of Isabella McAllum Johnstone Bolton of of Tarbert, Argyllshire.
Warrant Officer Bolton’s death was a tragic end to an illustrious career in the Air Force where he had been awarded the DFM and been involved in a number of dramatic incidents during battle.
DFM Award:
The above awards are for gallantry and devotion to duty displayed in the execution of air operations. LG34976 dated 22 Oct 40 (Serving with 220 Sqn 357613 Sgt Alfred Harry Bolton wef 22nd October 1940)
In a combat on the 21st August 1940 his Hudson (P5116) was attacked by 7 Bf 109. As Wireless operator he manned one of the side of the side guns. In spite of being wounded in the arm he shot down one enemy fighter.
Alfred Harry Bolton D.F.M. (357613) died on 16th July 1941 Aged 48.
Middlesex Chronicle of July 26th 1941 reported the inquest into his death. It records that he “was found dead in bed at his billet in Hartington Road, Chiswick, on July 16th, with razor wounds to his throat and arm.” The report relates how he was due to face disciplinary action for borrowing money. He served in the last war, and in 1928 was involved in a flying accident (4th Jul 1928 – Injured in an aircraft accident with 6 Sqn, Mosul, Iraq), and again in Singapore in 1934. He had been wounded by shrapnel at Dunkirk in 1940. The Coroner returned a verdict of “Suicide whilst the balance of the mind was disturbed.”
Name: 357613 Warrant Officer A H Bolton DFM
Died: 16th July 1941 Aged 48
Grave: 20. B. 9.
Info: IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY BELOVED HUSBAND
Family: Son of Alfred and Annie Bolton; husband of Isabella McAllum Johnstone Bolton, of Tarbert, Argyllshire.
RAF at Brookwood Military Cemetery 