Memorial

Plaque Barton V.C. 1944 Green

Ryhope

Memorial Name: Plaque Barton V.C. 1944 Green (R52.07)

NEWMP Ref No.: R52.07

Parish: Ryhope

Original Location:

On village green.

At base of Cross for 1914-18, 1939-45.

Which War:

1939-45

Dedication, Creation or Publication date:

November 10th 1985

Materials Used:

Bronze

Inscription:

To the memory of Pilot Office Cyril Joe Barton V.C. (168669) R.A.F.V.R.
No578 Squadron who died on the 31st March 1944, after crash-landing his
crippled Halifax bomber south west of Hollycarrside, thus avoiding Ryhope.

He displayed unsurpassed courage and devotion to duty, then sacrificed
his life to save others and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

Memorial Description:

Plaque 11 inches high x 38 inches wide (276cms x 952mm).

There is a raised edge.

The lettering is in raised Roman lower case.

Names:

See above

Notes:

1. For other Barton memorials, see R52.09, R52.10, R52.11 and R52.19.

2. The action on 31st March 1944 was the ill-fated raid on Nuremburg

3. The aircraft crashed onto the colliery, and also demolished the end house of West Terrace. The family were unharmed. (See Flypast ref. below).

4. The Newcastle Journal 01/06/1985 reports- Memorial to VC pilot A bronze plaque is to be put up to VC hero Cyril Barton, who crashed and died while guiding his doomed RAF bomber away from a street at Ryhope. near Sunderland. on March 31 1944 It follows a long campaign by Mr Alan Mitcheson, aged 52. of Crossways. Silksworth for a memorial to the young pilot in Ryhope.

External Links:

The CWGC entry for Pilot Officer Barton
Read official version of incident
578 Squadron
International Bomber Command Centre

Sources:

Photos: C. Sanders; Dorothy Hall

Newcastle Journal;
01/06/1985 reports bronze plaque
11/11/1985 reports unveiling

Sunderland Echo
24/04/2008 carries the story of Barton V.C.

FlyPast Key Publishing Ltd
April 2012; carries an article and photo of P.O. Barton on page 85.
January 2013 page 118 carries a letter from Alan Mitchison with details of the crash.

A Chronicle of Members’ Memoirs 1999 published by The Aircrew Association Northumbrian Branch contains the story told by Len Lambert, navigator in the Halifax aircraft involved.

Britain’s Aviation Memorials and Mementos David J. Smith, Patrick Stephens Ltd.; 1992; ISBN 1 85260 395 X

The Complete Victoria Cross: A full chronological record of all holders of Britain’s Highest Award for Gallantry; Kevin Brazier; 2010; Pen and Sword; ISBN 1 84884150 7; page 330