Osgood Hanbury

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Osgood Hanbury
Nickname(s) Pedro
Born 13 September 1917
Richmond, North Yorkshire
Died 3 June 1943 (Age 25)
Bay of Biscay
Buried
Body lost at sea
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  Royal Air Force
Years of service 1940–1943
Rank Squadron Leader
Service number 81357
Unit
Commands held No. 260 Squadron RAF
Battles/wars Second World War
Awards Distinguished Service Order
Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar

Squadron Leader Osgood Philip Villiers 'Pedro' Hanbury DSO DFC & Bar (13 September 1917 – 3 June 1943) was a British Royal Air Force flying ace of the Second World War. He had scored 11 victories when he was killed in action in 1943.

Early life

Hanbury was the son of Major Philip Hanbury and Dorothy Maud Margary.[1] He was educated at Eton College and after training received a short service commission in the RAF on 30 June 1940.[2][3]

Second World War

He initially served as a Westland Lysander pilot, carrying out liaison duties in the British Isles. On 3 September 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Hanbury volunteered to transfer to RAF Fighter Command and was posted to No. 602 Squadron RAF.[4] He soon scored several victories in aerial battles over the English Channel and southern England flying X4382, a late production Supermarine Spitfire Mk I. By the end of 1940 he had four confirmed victories.

In May 1941 he was transferred to No. 260 Squadron RAF, based in the Middle East and North Africa, and operated Curtiss P-40 Warhawks. On 22 May 1942 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after leading a defensive operation against an enemy air raid on Tobruk.[5] On 23 June 1942 Hanbury became commanding officer of the squadron and was promoted to flight officer. On 28 July 1942 he received a Bar to his DFC for his leadership of No. 260 Squadron and his actions against the enemy.[6] On 20 April 1943 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.[7]

Hanbury was killed on 3 June 1943 while travelling as a passenger on a Lockheed Hudson of No. 117 Squadron RAF piloted by Robert Yaxley, which was shot down by a German aircraft over the Bay of Biscay. He had scored a total of 11 confirmed victories at the time of his death.[8]

Personal life

X4382, a late production Spitfire Mk I of 602 Squadron flown by P/O Osgood Hanbury, Westhampnett, September 1940

Eleven days before his death, Hanbury had married Patricia Cecil Harman, daughter of Charles Cecil Harman and Muriel Kathleen Marion Huth, on 22 May 1943.[9] She gave birth to his son, Christopher Osgood Philip Hanbury, on 16 February 1944.

He is commemorated on the Air Forces Memorial. A biography about his war time experiences, Pedro: The life and death of Osgood Villiers Hanbury, DFC and Bar, was published in 2010.

Citations

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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.

— Citation for Distinguished Flying Cross, London Gazette, Tuesday, 22 May 1943.[10]

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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.

— Citation for Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross, London Gazette, Tuesday, 28 July 1943.[11]

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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.

— Citation for Distinguished Service Order, London Gazette, Tuesday, 30 April 1943.[12]

References

  1. ↑ 'Hanbury, Osgood Villiers' in Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) (RAF(VR)) Officers at unithistories.com, accessed 11 January 2016
  2. ↑ The London Gazette: no. 34903. p. 4535. 23 July 1940. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  3. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 35222. p. 4130. 18 July 1941. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  4. ↑ 'Hanbury, Osgood Villiers' in Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) (RAF(VR)) Officers at unithistories.com, accessed 11 January 2016
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 35569. p. 2237. 22 May 1942. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  6. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 35646. p. 3302. 28 July 1942. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  7. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 35996. p. 1937. 30 April 1943. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  8. ↑ 'Hanbury, Osgood Villiers' in Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) (RAF(VR)) Officers at unithistories.com, accessed 11 January 2016
  9. ↑ 'Hanbury, Osgood Villiers' in Royal Air Force (Volunteer Reserve) (RAF(VR)) Officers at unithistories.com, accessed 11 January 2016
  10. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 35569. p. 2237. 22 May 1942. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  11. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 35646. p. 3302. 28 July 1942. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
  12. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 35996. p. 1937. 30 April 1943. Retrieved 11 January 2016.
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