Hanbury, Osgood Villiers "Pedro"

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

Biography

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)

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

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.

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

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

Citation:
"This officer is an inspiring leader whose courageous example has contributed materially to the high standard of operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. In operations covering the great advance from El Alamein, Squadron Leader Hanbury led formations of aircraft with great skill, attacking and harassing the enemy with destructive effect. In attacks on the enemy's dispositions near Ksar Rhilane and at El Hamma, Squadron Leader Hanbury exhibited great dash. His fearlessness, efficiency and unswerving devotion to duty have been worthy of the highest praise."

Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

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

Citation:
"This officer continues to display outstanding skill, courage and fine leadership. Under his leadership his squadron has inflicted heavy losses on the enemy both in air combat and on the ground. During a recent sortie he led a formation as escort to our bombers, far behind the enemy lines, and heavy damage was caused. All our bombers returned safely."

Sources

- 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