Frederick Hards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Hards
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| Born | 17 March 1889 Cookham, Berkshire |
| Died | 10 July 1963 (aged 74) Ipswich, Suffolk |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Navy (1914–18) Royal Air Force (1918–43) |
| Years of service | 1914–1943 |
| Rank | Air Vice-Marshal |
| Commands held | British Forces Aden (1941–43) RAF Malta (1930–31) No. 230 Squadron (1920–21) |
| Battles/wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Cross Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
Air Vice-Marshal Frederick George Darby Hards, CBE, DSC, DFC (born March 17, 1889 – died July 10, 1963) was a brave officer. He served in the Royal Air Force, which is the UK's air force. He was in charge of British Forces Aden from 1941 until he retired in 1943.
Frederick Hards' Military Journey
Frederick Hards started his military career in 1914. He joined the Royal Fusiliers at the start of the First World War. Soon after, he became a pilot. He flew for the Royal Naval Air Service, which was the navy's air branch. He earned his pilot's certificate in 1915.
After the war, he continued to serve. He became the leader of No. 230 Squadron RAF. This was a special flying unit. He then held many different important jobs. In 1930, he was put in charge of RAF Malta. This was an important air base.
Later, in 1933, he worked with the Mediterranean Fleet. He helped with their aviation needs. In 1936, he joined RAF Fighter Command. This group protected the UK from air attacks.
During the Second World War, Hards continued his service. He worked at RAF Coastal Command. This command protected ships and coastlines. He then became the leader of British Forces Aden. He retired from the Royal Air Force in 1943.
Awards for Bravery and Service
Frederick Hards received several important awards. These awards recognized his bravery and excellent service.
- Distinguished Service Cross (DSC)
* On June 22, 1916, he received the Distinguished Service Cross. This award is for bravery in battle. * He earned it with Flight Lieutenant Vincent Nicholl. They chased a German airship (Zeppelin) far out to sea. They flew very close to it and attacked it. This showed great courage.
- Mentioned in Despatches
* On October 1, 1917, he was "mentioned in despatches." This means his name was noted for his good work. * He was recognized for his patrol duties. He also helped search for enemy submarines in home waters.
- Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
* On June 3, 1918, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is for bravery while flying. * He earned it for his excellent service as a pilot.
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
* On July 11, 1940, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire. This is a very high honour. * He received it for his outstanding service during recent operations.
