Aircraftman 1st Class Robert Christopher Charleton (628854) served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was the son of William John Charleton and Ellen Charleton of 67 Hawthorne Street, Belfast, and husband of Georgina Charleton of Middleton-St. George, Co. Durham.
Robert, known to his crew as Paddy, was Wireless Operator / Air Gunner with RAF 21 Squadron at his time of death on 11th May 1940 aged 31 years old. At his time of death, he left his wife Georgina Charleton living in Ballymcilhoyle, Aldergrove, Co. Antrim, and 2 children aged 6 years old and 3 years old.
He was onboard Bristol Blenheim P6806 when it took off on a daytime operation over Maastricht, Netherlands. The crew took off from RAF Watton, Norfolk to carry out a bombing raid on bridges over the Albert Canal. A total of 23 Blenheims from RAF 110 Squadron and RAF 21 Squadron carried out the attack.
Maastricht was heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns and a curtain of flak hit many of the bombers as they shallow dive-bombed the target. A single bullet entered the fuselage of P6806 and pierced Paddy Charleton’s lung. The remaining crew returned safely to RAF Watton, Norfolk, bringing the body of the fallen Aircraftman home.
Robert Christopher Charleton’s grave is in Section B, Row YB, Grave 71 of Milltown Cemetery, Belfast. His headstone bears the inscription:
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on his soul.