American World War Two Veteran Who Served at RAF North Witham Dies Aged 102
Lieutenant Colonel David Hamilton, a WWII veteran, has passed away at the age of 102, leaving behind a legacy of bravery and service.
David Hamilton, World War Two, RAF North Witham, South Kesteven, D-Day, Veteran
South Kesteven: A remarkable World War Two veteran has passed away. Lieutenant Colonel David Hamilton, who served at RAF North Witham, was 102 years old.
David was from the U.S. and made a special trip back to the airfield in 2019. He attended the 75th D-Day commemoration as the last surviving pilot from a pre-invasion mission.
He was a true hero, flying one of the C-47s for America’s 9th Troop Carrier Command on June 5, 1944. That mission was crucial for the D-Day invasion.
During his flight, he had to stay low to avoid enemy radar, and his plane came back riddled with over 200 bullet holes. Talk about bravery!
David earned five air medals and a Flying Cross for his service. He retired in 1963 as a Lieutenant Colonel in intelligence.
When he visited South Kesteven, he was welcomed by air cadets at Grantham railway station. They took him to North Witham for a tour and to unveil an information board about the Pathfinder mission.
He also unveiled a commemorative bench in South Witham and enjoyed lunch with local schoolchildren. His legacy will surely be remembered.