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Hayter, James Chilton Francis

Date of birth:
October 18th, 1917 (Timaru/Canterbury, New Zealand)
Date of death:
October 3rd, 2006 (Takaka, New Zealand)
Service number:
36207
Nationality:
New Zealander (1907-1947, Dominion UK)

Biography

Jimmy Hayter served with 98 Squadron and 103 Squadron in France, 1940 flying Fairey Battles. After the squadron was withdrawn during the fall of France he volunteerded for Fighter Command and joined 615 Squadron but soon moved to 605 Squadron.
In March 1942 Hayter was given command of 274 Squadron in North Africa

Promotions:
16 augustus 1939: Pilot Officer (short service commission)
3 september 1940: Flying Officer
3 september 1941: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
4 oktober 1942 - 6 maart 1943: seconded for special duty
1 juli 1944: Squadron Leader (Temporary)
16 augustus 1944: Appointed to the RNZAF

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 17th, 1941
Citation:
"Since June 1941, this officer has completed 48 operational flights over enemy territory and during the period has destroyed 4 and damaged a further 4 hostile aircraft. Flight Lieutenant Hayter participated in the fighting in France in 1940 and later fought in the Battle of Britain. He has displayed great skill and leadership and has contributed materially to the high standard of morale in his unit."
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
January 14th, 1944
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
June 8th, 1944
Mentioned in Dispatches
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Squadron Leader
Unit:
No. 74 (Trinidad) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
January 16th, 1945
Citation:
"Since the award of the D.F.C. this officer has been in command of his flight. He has taken part in numerous low-level attacks. In addition, Sqn. Ldr. Hayter has been engaged on a large number of escort and bombing missions. Both on the ground and in the air this officer has maintained a high standard of keenness and effcieney, which, combined with his fine fighting spirit, have materially contributed to the many successes attained."

Second DFC awarded as a bar.
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

Photo