Forum Topic

Flight Sergeant Alexander Milton

I was very moved when I read about the group in Holland seeking to find details of a British airman from Chiswick for their information board.Their Lost Wings project is the sort of thing that raises your faith in humanity particularly in that it incorporates German fliers as well.More so than that was the heroism of Flight Sergeant Alexander Milton in staying at his gun until the last possible moment which may have saved the lives of some of his fellow crewmembers. It seems odd that he apparently received no reward for this act of bravery. I really hope on some mantelpiece or even stowed in some drawer in Chiswick there is a photo of this man in his prime that can be added to the information board in Holland.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1208d9 Comments

Jeremy, I know a chap whose father, a bomber pilot in WW2, went missing with his crew after his plane was shot down over Holland late in the war.Imagine his joy and surprise when, about 15 years ago the plane was found when land was being drained, and the Dutch authorities went to the trouble of identifying it and the names of all who perished. Even more amazing was that they tracked down my mate in England, and he and his family were invited by the local mayor, with all expenses paid, to a service of remembrance in the local town. As you say, it shows that there are still some wonderful people in this stinking world.

Roger Talbot ● 1207d

I never studied WW1 and WW2 in school history lessons.  I never learnt anything from grandparents and very little from parents about it.  I guess it was too close and it takes time afterwards to recover. Rationing continued for nearly 10 years afterwards.  I was surprised when I looked at it at the mix of allied airmen on each of these flights: I've noticed RAF, RAAF, SAAF, EAAF, RCAF and probably more all flying and dying or surviving - injured or taken PoW.Many people moved around once they had joined the forces and married where where they were stationed during wartime and also emigrated afterwards.  I wonder how many families have second or third cousins they are no longer in touch with - or even first cousins they don't know about here or abroad?  It's can be hard enough keeping up with closer family!

Philippa Bond ● 1205d

My Aunt Ruth lost her NZ Bomber pilot boyfriend shot down over Dusseldorf.She never married, and, as far as I know, never had another boyfriend.

James Roy ● 1205d

The list I was reading was of planes with Australian lost and injured airmen on board.  I was surprised not to spot any NZ ones.  They were listed by name.  I'm not sure I'd find it again even if I looked!  The resident plane buff was giving me a quick lowdown on the planes.

Philippa Bond ● 1205d

I've had a look at this and think that there is a LINTON family connection.  It looks as though Alexander Henry Milton married Jessie Elizabeth Linton whose family came from Northern Ireland.

Philippa Bond ● 1201d

His niece lives in Vancouver.  I met Alex and Jessica when they were living in Staveley Road.  By chance I saw his name and it rang a bell.  Fortunately the right one!I have emailed the Editor.

Jill Jordan ● 1193d

That's brilliant news. Look forward to hearing updates.

Jeremy Parkinson ● 1193d

Great news.  I hope contact can be made with his relatives.

Philippa Bond ● 1193d

Yes, am in touch with his niece and she is now aware and details are being exchanged.

Jill Jordan ● 1193d