Deighton enlisted in the Royal Flying Corps on 15 March 1917 as a transport driver. As a corporal mechanic, he volunteered to fly as an observer/gunner in the rear seat of No. 20 Squadron's Bristol F.2 Fighters.[2]
Deighton flew as an observer/gunner for four pilot aces: Captain Wilfred Beaver, Lieutenants David Weston, Leslie Capel, and Ernest Lindup. Deighton scored his first victory on 11 April 1918 and closed out his string on 23 June 1918. In total, he was credited with destroying ten enemy fighters and an observation plane, and with four other German fighters claimed 'out of control'.[2]
Deighton was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal on 7 June 1918. He and Beaver were forced down by a German Albatros D.V on 13 June 1918, but were uninjured. However, Deighton was subsequently injured on 15 July 1918 and returned to Britain.[2]
Deighton's Distinguished Conduct Medal was gazetted to him on 1 October 1918. The award citation read:
- 67051 Corporal (Acting-Serjeant) E. A. Deighton, Royal Air Force. (Cheltenham).
- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. In little more than a fortnight he has shot down five enemy aircraft. He has shown remarkable marksmanship and coolness in action, and is a valuable asset in his squadron.[3]
Unusually, the original award recommendations still exist. One of them was written on 27 May 1918; Captain Beaver followed up with a second one two days later. Both give more detailed accounts of Deighton's exploits than the award citation, mainly enumerating his aerial victories.[4]
Deighton returned to service during World War II, being commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Warwickshire Army Cadet Force[5] on 25 November 1942.[6] He finally resigned his commission on 12 May 1945[7] as a Lieutenant Colonel.
After the War
Deighton and his wife, Eva, became hoteliers initially in Newquay, then in Bournemouth at Dean Park Lodge, which became his home for the rest of his life. Here, he was affectionately known by staff and guests as “Colonel”.