Eliot, Hugh William

Date of death:: March 4th, 1945
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Cemetery Argenta
Plot: I. Row: F. Grave: 20.
Service number:: 42490
Nationality:: British

Biography

Career:
June 1939: Royal Air Force;
May 1940: No. 73 Squadron;
?: No. 261 Squadron;
?: No. 185 Squadron;
September 24th, 1941: No. 242 Squadron;
1942: Flight Commander No. 255 Squadron;
August 1943: Commanding Officer No. 255 Squadron;
September 1944: Commanding Officer No. 256 Squadron.

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Mentioned in Dispatches

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:: July 22nd, 1940

Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 185 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: September 26th, 1941

Recommendation:
"This officer has carried out 14 months continuous operational flying as a fighter pilot. When serving with No. 73 Squadron in France he shot down 2 enemy aircraft and damaged a further 1 E/A. Was shot down and badly burnt during the Battle of Britain. He was posted to Malta to 261 Squadron and then to 185 Squadron. Whilst at Malta he has shot down 3 and a half enemy aircraft by day and 1 E/A by night and 1 probable, making his total successes 6 and a half enemy aircraft confirmed, 1 enemy aircraft probable and 2 damaged. He has at all times shown great courage and a grand spirit even when against heavy odds. He has been an inspiration to those under him and has led his flight with skill and determination."

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Acting Wing Commander
Unit:: No. 255 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: May 23rd, 1944

Citation:
"Wing Cdr. Eliot was promoted to command the squadron in August, 1943, at a time when heavy demands were being made for the night defence of Bizerta, Tunis and Palermo. Since then, largely due to his drive and encouragement, the squadron has destroyed 23 enemy aircraft, two of which have been destroyed by Wing Cdr. Eliot personally. This officer has flown regularly on night patrols displacing a remarkable disregard for the weather. He is an intrepid night fighter pilot, who has earned the respect of all who have served under him."