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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Hanbury, Osgood Villiers "Pedro" |
| Date of birth: | 1918 (Herriard/Hampshire, Great Britain)
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| Date of death: |
June 3rd, 1943
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| Nationality: |
British |
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BIOGRAPHY:
Service number 81357.
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)
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Rank:
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Acting Squadron Leader
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Unit:
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Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 260 Squadron
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Awarded on:
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May 22nd, 1942
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Action:
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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.
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Squadron Leader
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Unit:
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Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 260 Squadron
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Awarded on:
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May 31st, 1940
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Action:
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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."
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Details:
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Second DFC awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO)
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Rank:
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Acting Squadron Leader
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Unit:
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Auxiliary Air Force, No. 260 Squadron
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Awarded on:
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April 30th, 1943
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Action:
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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."
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