Whilst touring Tasmania in October I came across a small museum in Swansea. Amongst the exhibits was a case dedicated to the above. I would post a picture but I’m completely baffled how to do so! In the case is a picture of what I presume was his aircraft, A Whirlwind coded HE-L, serial number P7062 (I think). His DFC and a couple of certificates.
I have tried googling him but with no success, can anybody help as my Tasmanian girlfriend and I are really interested.
Many thanks
Geoff
By: Bob - 11th December 2009 at 21:28
Interesting reading – putting the ORB entries to some of the gun camera footage I have been watching recently of 263’s missions certainly adds a new element to the project I’m involved in.
By: Arabella-Cox - 11th December 2009 at 20:23
Hi Geoff
If you could send me a PM with your email address and/or phone number I’ll quite happily share what I know about Max as he is one of a number of Whirlwind pilots I have been researching for several years now.
Max unfortunately was shot down and KIA by ship borne flak on June 15th 1943 whilst on an early morning Anti Shipping Recce. This was two days after he was awarded with the DFC.
The aircraft in the picture, P7062, was Max’s regular aircraft. However, it was written off when Max’s close friend F/Sgt Frank Hicks clipped a tree whilst pulling out of a mock attack as part of an army co-operation exercise on February 19th 1943. Frank was killled instantly when the aircraft hit the ground.
If you would like to read more about Max and 263 Squadron then following website is well worth visiting: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/laurieburley/jeff/index.html
It contains transcripts of 263’s ORB and some combat reports.
Paul
By: kev35 - 11th December 2009 at 20:21
The Gentleman in question is:
COTTON, MAXWELL TYLNEY
Initials: M T
Nationality: Australian
Rank: Pilot Officer
Regiment/Service: Royal Australian Air Force
Age: 22
Date of Death: 15/06/1943
Service No: 408204
Awards: D F C
Additional information: Son of Arthur Tylney Cotton and Louisa Kate Cotton, of Swansea, Tasmania, Australia.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 190.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL
At the time he was serving with 263 Squadron flying Whirlwinds. According to Fighter Command Losses, he was on a shipping Reconnaissance North East of Sark when shot down by flak. On the 28th April he was flying a Roadstead sortie in P6981 during which his aircraft was damaged. On the 23rd May whilst on a Roadstead near Guernsey his aircraft, P6974 was damaged by flak.
Maxwell Tylney Cotton was born on the 2nd of May 1921. At the time of enlistment on 25th April 1941, his occupation is listed as Grazier. His DFC appears to have been awarded for “numerouis operational sorties against the enemy.” The award appeared in the London Gazette of 6th July 1943 on page number 3036. The DFC itself was presented to his Father by the Governor General at Government House, Hobart, on 23rd April 1945.
it might be worth you getting in touch with EN830 off this forum as I believe he has an interest in 263 Squadron’s operations in and around the Channel Islands.
(Information from CWGC, Fighter Command Losses and the AWM.)
Hope this helps.
Regards,
kev35
Sign In
December 11, 2009 at 6:30 pm