Hubert Adair facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hubert Hastings Adair
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| Birth name | Hubert Hastings Adair |
| Nickname(s) | Paddy |
| Born | 17 August 1917 Castleblaney, Republic of Ireland |
| Died | 6 November 1940 (aged 23) Widley, Hampshire, England |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1940 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 580088 |
| Unit | No. 88 Squadron RAF No. 151 Squadron RAF No. 213 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Relations | Robert and Elizabeth Adair (Parents) |
Hubert Adair was a brave pilot from Ireland. He flew for the Royal Air Force during World War II. He took part in important battles like the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. Hubert was born on August 17, 1917, and sadly passed away on November 6, 1940.
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Hubert's Early Life
Hubert Hastings Adair was born in Castleblaney, Ireland, on August 17, 1917. His parents were Robert and Elizabeth Adair. He first went to Carrickaslane School.
After his father passed away, Hubert's family moved to Norwich, England. There, he continued his education at the City of Norwich School.
Flying for the Royal Air Force
Hubert Adair joined the Royal Air Force in 1936. After finishing his training, he became part of No. 88 Squadron. He flew a Fairey Battle light bomber during the Battle of France.
Later, Hubert volunteered to become a fighter pilot. He joined Fighter Command, which was looking for new pilots. In August 1940, he learned to fly Hawker Hurricane fighter planes.
On September 4, 1940, he joined No. 151 Squadron at RAF Digby. Then, on September 16, 1940, he moved to No. 213 Squadron RAF at RAF Tangmere.
Final Flight and Discovery
On November 6, 1940, Hubert Adair was flying his Hurricane plane (V7602) over Southampton. He was shot down and sadly died in action. It is thought that Major Helmut Wick of JG 2 shot down his plane.
At first, Hubert was listed as "missing in action." People believed his plane had crashed into the English Channel. However, later research found that his Hurricane, V7602, had crashed on land at Pigeon House Farm in Widley, Hampshire.
On October 6, 1979, the crash site was dug up. Hubert's remains were found there. They were later taken to Portchester Crematorium.
Remembering Hubert Adair
Hubert Adair is honored at the Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede, Surrey. His name is on panel 11 of the memorial.
There is also a special memorial plaque on top of Portsdown Hill in Hampshire. This spot is close to where Hubert's plane is believed to have crashed. The plaque helps everyone remember his bravery.
The plaque reads:
- SGT. H.H. ADAIR IN HURRICANE AK-D-V7602 CRASHED NEAR HERE ON THE 6/11/1940 WHILST DEFENDING PORTSMOUTH. HE FOUGHT AGAINST SUPERIOR ODDS AND LOST HIS YOUNG LIFE SO THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS COULD ENJOY THEIRS.
