Hilary Hood facts for kids

Hilary Richard Lionel Hood, known to his friends as "Robin", was a brave Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot. He flew fighter planes during World War II. Sadly, he was killed in action during the famous Battle of Britain in 1940. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage.

Hilary Hood: A Battle of Britain Hero

Early Life and Training

Hilary Richard Lionel Hood was born on May 13, 1908, in Paddington, London. His father was a theatrical manager and a former Royal Navy officer. Hilary went to Oxted Preparatory School and later to Tonbridge School.

In September 1927, Hilary joined the RAF College Cranwell. This was a special college for training future RAF officers. While there, he was very active in sports. He played hockey and was part of the college's rowing team. He even played hockey with another famous pilot, Douglas Bader. Hilary finished his training and graduated from Cranwell on July 28, 1929.

Flying with the Royal Air Force

After graduating, Hood was sent to No. 23 Squadron RAF in September 1929. This squadron was based at RAF Kenley. He also took a special course at the Gunnery School to improve his shooting skills. He stayed with No. 23 Squadron until May 1931.

Over the next few years, Hood served in different places. He was stationed at RAF Leuchars and also worked with naval aviation training. This included time with HMS Courageous and HMS Hermes. He even served with No. 23 Squadron in far-off places like China, Shanghai, and the Philippines. By 1933, he returned to the United Kingdom.

Later, in 1935, Hood became a flying instructor. He taught new pilots at different RAF bases. These included RAF Wittering, RAF Sealand, and RAF Ternhill. He was a chief flying instructor, which meant he was in charge of teaching others how to fly. He continued these important duties until February 1940.

Leading a Squadron in World War II

In April 1940, a big change happened for Hilary Hood. He was given command of No. 41 Squadron RAF. This squadron flew Spitfire planes, which were very famous fighter aircraft. His squadron was first based at RAF Catterick and then moved to RAF Hornchurch.

Hood led his squadron during the early parts of the Battle of Britain. At 32 years old, he was one of the older pilots fighting in this crucial battle. During the Dunkirk evacuation, it is believed he caused a German bomber to crash. On July 19, he claimed to have destroyed a German Bf 109 fighter and a Ju 87 bomber.

The Battle of Britain

On the afternoon of September 5, 1940, Squadron Leader Hood led 12 Spitfires from No. 41 Squadron. Their mission was to patrol over Maidstone at a height of 15,000 feet. As they climbed, they saw many enemy bombers over the Thames Estuary.

Hood bravely led his squadron to attack the German Do 17 bombers head-on. During this attack, No. 41 Squadron was suddenly attacked by German Bf 109 fighters. These enemy fighters were from a unit called JG 54.

Four Spitfires from No. 41 Squadron did not return from this mission. Flight Lieutenant "Terry" Webster was killed. Squadron Leader Hood was officially listed as missing in action. His Spitfire was known as P9428. It had the code "EB – R".

The exact reason for Hood's disappearance is not fully known. It is thought that one of the German claims for shooting down a plane that day might be his. Some reports say that Hood parachuted out of his plane. However, his parachute might have gotten tangled with his aircraft. His Spitfire then crashed near Nevendon.

Legacy

After his death, Hilary Hood was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award recognized his great bravery and skill as a pilot.

Hilary Hood is remembered at the Runnymede Memorial. This memorial honors all the airmen and women who died during World War II and have no known grave.