John Arthur Houlton | |
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Nickname(s) | Johnnie |
Born | Christchurch, New Zealand | 23 September 1922
Died | 16 April 1996 Whangaparaoa, New Zealand | (aged 73)
Allegiance | New Zealand |
Service/ | Royal New Zealand Air Force (1941–1955) |
Rank | Squadron Leader |
Battles/wars |
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Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
John Arthur Houlton DFC (23 September 1922 – 16 April 1996) was a New Zealand flying ace of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) during the Second World War. He was credited with the destruction of at least five German aircraft.
Born in Christchurch, Houlton joined the RNZAF in June 1941 and, after completing training in New Zealand, was sent to England to serve with the Royal Air Force. After a brief period of service with No. 485 (NZ) Squadron, he volunteered to go to Malta as part of the island's aerial defence. He was based there from August to December 1942 before returning to Europe and No. 485 Squadron. He shot down a German bomber on the day of the Normandy landings, often considered to be the first German aircraft destroyed during the invasion of France. After the war he stayed in the RNZAF and later took up commercial flying. He died in 1996, aged 73.
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