• Lockheed Hudson

Date of birth:

1918 (Herriard/Hampshire, Great Britain)

Date of death:

June 3rd, 1943

Buried on:

Air Forces Memorial Runnymede
Plot: 118. 

Service number:

81357

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

After finishing his studies at Eton College, Osgood Hanbury joined the RAF on a short service commission in June 1940 and became a Lysander pilot. He earned his nickname because of his big moustache and, when relaxed, apparently looked like a Mexican.
During the Battle of Britain he volunteerded to transfer to Fighter Command and was posted to No. 602 Squadron. He soon scored a couple of victories in aerial battles over the Channel and England. At the end of 1940 he had four confirmed victories.
In May 1941 he was send overseas to the Middle East and joined
No. 260 Squadron and converted to flying Kittyhawks and took over command of the squadron.
On June 3th, 1943 he was passenger on board a Lockheed Hudson which was on it's way back to Britain when the aircraft was attacked over the Bay of Biscay presumably by a Ju88. The Hudson was shot down, killing eyerone on board.
Osgood Hanbury is commorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 118.
A biography about his war time experiences called 'Pedro : The life and death of Osgood Villiers Hanbury, DFC and Bar' was published in 2010.

Promotions:
? Sergeant
June 30th, 1940: Pilot Officer (probation)
July 2nd, 1941: transferred to the Administrative and Special Duties Branch
August 30th, 1941: Flying officer (war sub)
23th June 1942: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)

Do you have more information about this person? Inform us!

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 260 Squadron. Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

May 22nd, 1942

Citation:
"In April, 1942, this officer led a successful sortie against an enemy force of bombers, escorted by fighters, which attempted to raid Tobruk. At least 4 of the raiding aircraft were destroyed, of which Squadron Leader Hanbury destroyed 1. This officer continued to engage the enemy until his aircraft was so extensively damaged that he was compelled to land. Throughout, he displayed magnificent leadership and courage. Squadron Leader Hanbury has destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 260 Squadron, Royal Air Force (No. 260 Squadron, Royal Air Force)

Awarded on:

May 31st, 1940

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 260 Squadron, Royal Air Force (No. 260 Squadron, Royal Air Force)

Awarded on:

April 30th, 1943

• - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35569 published on the 19 May 1942
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35646 published on the 24 July 1942
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35996 published on the 27 April 1943
  - The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
  

Helaas geen map gevonden.

Lockheed Hudson