Hubert Jones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hubert Wilson Godfrey Jones Penderel
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H. W. Godfrey Jones
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| Birth name | Hubert Wilson Godfrey Jones |
| Nickname(s) | Godfrey |
| Born | 7 October 1890 Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire, Wales |
| Died | 14 May 1943 (aged 52) Orford Ness, Suffolk, England |
| Buried |
Llangiwg Church, Pontardawe, Glamorganshire, Wales
(51°44′04″N 3°50′58″W / 51.73444°N 3.84944°W) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1913–1943 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Unit |
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| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross Air Force Cross |
Group Captain Hubert Wilson Godfrey Jones Penderel was a brave British pilot. He was born on October 7, 1890, and passed away on May 14, 1943. During World War I, he was a "flying ace," meaning he shot down many enemy planes. He was credited with seven aerial victories.
After the war, he had an amazing career in the Royal Air Force. He was an officer, a skilled air racer, and even an explorer. When World War II began, he became a group commander. Sadly, he died during a test flight of a Hurricane plane.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Hubert Wilson Godfrey Jones was born in Llandeilo, Wales. His parents were Thomas and Elizabeth Jones. His family often called him Godfrey.
His brother, Captain Elton Augustus Harold Penderel, was also in the military. He served in the Royal Tank Regiment and the Royal Fusiliers.
World War I: A Flying Ace's Story
Godfrey Jones joined the 4th Battalion of The Welsh Regiment in 1913. He quickly moved up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1915 and then a captain.
Becoming a Pilot and First Victories
In July 1916, Jones earned his pilot's license at the Beatty School of Flying. Soon after, he became a flying officer in the Royal Flying Corps. He joined No. 32 Squadron RFC, where he flew the Airco DH.2, a single-seat fighter plane.
His first aerial victory happened on August 11, 1916. He forced an enemy Fokker Eindecker plane down "out of control." He continued to achieve victories, destroying a German reconnaissance plane and forcing down another. On November 16, he helped take down two more enemy planes, bringing his total to five. This made him a "flying ace."
More Victories and Being Wounded
In February 1917, Jones achieved two more victories, both against Albatros D.I planes. During his last victory, he was wounded in action. He was also appointed a flight commander, which meant he led a group of planes.
On March 21, 1917, he was shot down again while flying a Nieuport 17 with No. 40 Squadron. He was wounded once more.
Receiving the Military Cross
For his bravery on February 15, 1917, Jones was awarded the Military Cross. This award recognized his outstanding courage.
His award citation said that he attacked ten enemy machines with only three planes. Even though he was wounded, he kept fighting and forced an enemy plane down. He stayed with his patrol until the enemy retreated, showing incredible determination.
He also received the Italian Silver Medal of Military Valor in May 1917.
Instructor and Squadron Commander
After his combat service, Jones became an instructor at the Central Flying School in August 1917. This meant he taught other pilots how to fly.
In July 1918, he became a temporary major. From November 1918 to December 1919, he commanded No. 19 Squadron RAF. His valuable service during the war was officially recognized.
Between the Wars: Racing, Exploring, and Leadership
After World War I, Jones continued his impressive career in the Royal Air Force. He was given a permanent commission as a captain in 1919.
Service in India and Air Races
In 1921, he was sent to serve with No. 28 Squadron in India. Later, he returned to England.
Jones was also a talented air racer. In 1923, he was part of a team that came second in a relay race at the Royal Air Force Display. In 1924, he piloted a Siddeley Siskin III in the King's Cup Round Britain Race, finishing 4th. He was even called "The fastest machine in the King's Cup Race."
In 1925, he was promoted to squadron leader. He also finished 2nd in the Fourth King's Cup Circuit of Britain Race.
Leading Fighter Squadrons
In 1926, Jones led No. 19 (Fighter) Squadron in an amazing display of skill at the Royal Air Force Display. They performed complex group evolutions with 54 planes. He also led his squadron in a low-bombing competition, hitting a moving tank.
In 1928, he led No. 19 Squadron's Siskins in air maneuvers. These exercises tested how well air and ground defenses worked together.
Changing His Name and Middle East Service
On October 18, 1928, Hubert Wilson Godfrey Jones officially changed his surname to Penderel. Two days later, he was posted to No. 216 Squadron in the Middle East.
In 1931, Penderel led a formation of three troop carrier planes on a 6,000-mile flight. They flew from Cairo, Egypt, all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. This was a very successful and challenging journey.
For his achievements, Penderel was awarded the Air Force Cross (United Kingdom) in 1931. King George V presented him with this honor at Buckingham Palace.
Air Racing and Desert Exploration
In 1931, Penderel won the Hanworth–Blackpool Air Race, piloting a Spartan Arrow.
In 1932, Penderel joined an expedition to find the legendary "lost oasis" of Zerzura in Egypt. They flew over the area and found green valleys, but couldn't reach them by land. In 1933, he joined another expedition that mapped parts of the Gilf Kebir plateau and discovered prehistoric rock paintings.
In 1934, Penderel gave a lecture about his expeditions to the Royal Geographical Society. He was then made a Fellow of the society. He also flew missions to resupply another desert exploration team.
Promotions and Later Commands
On January 1, 1933, Penderel was promoted to wing commander. He then worked on personnel duties at RAF Uxbridge.
In 1934, he competed in the "Headquarters Race" at the Royal Air Force Display. He flew a fast Hawker Fury plane.
In 1937, Penderel was appointed to command the School of Naval Co-operation. On January 1, 1938, he was promoted to group captain.
World War II Service and Final Flight
From September 1939 to May 1940, Group Captain Penderel served as the first commander of No. 201 Group RAF. This group was formed from the General Reconnaissance Group in the Middle East.
On May 14, 1943, Penderel was on a test flight. He was flying a Hawker Hurricane plane from RAF Middle Wallop to RAF Martlesham Heath. He took off again, heading for a bombing range. Sadly, a bomb on his aircraft exploded too early. He crashed into the Sudbourne Marshes and died instantly.
Hubert Wilson Godfrey Jones Penderel is buried at Llangiwg Churchyard in Wales.
