A BLUE plaque commemorating the life of a Warwick flying ace has been unveiled at his former home.
One of Warwick’s best known local heroes, Squadron Leader Newell Orton was part of the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.
He was officially credited with the destruction of 17 enemy aircraft, eight probably destroyed, and four damaged.
Newell Orton was born in 1915 in Warwick and was educated locally at Coten End School and Leamington Technical College. He learned to fly at the Leamington Flying Club.
He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1935 and was soon a qualified pilot, deploying to France in 1939.
Squadron Leader Orton was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for ‘exceptional gallantry’ in 1941 while recuperating from serious injuries after being shot down in an aerial dogfight. He was subsequently awarded a bar to his DFC and promoted to flight lieutenant.
On his return to action, he was involved in an engagement with around 50 enemy planes and was one of three British pilots who did not survive this encounter.
Warwick Town Council worked with Squadron Leader Orton’s nephew, Nigel Robinson, to create and erect this new plaque which adds to the growing number located around the town.
The unveiling was carried out by the Warwick mayor Coun Oliver Jacques, and the grandson of Newell Orton, Paul Orton. Also in attendance were other members of the Orton family, the property owners, neighbours and town councillors.
Anyone who has a nomination for a potential blue plaque recipient in Warwick should contact Katherine Geddes on [email protected]
