Hugh Dundas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Hugh Dundas
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Dundas at RAF Duxford, Cambridgeshire, 2 January 1942
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| Nickname(s) | Cocky |
| Born | 22 July 1920 Doncaster, England |
| Died | 10 July 1995 (aged 74) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938–1949 |
| Rank | Group Captain |
| Commands held | No. 601 Squadron RAF (1948–49) No. 324 Wing RAF (1943–45) No. 56 Squadron RAF (1941–42) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Bachelor Commander of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Service Order & Bar Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
| Relations | John Dundas (brother) |
| Other work | Company director |
Sir Hugh Spencer Lisle Dundas (22 July 1920 – 10 July 1995), known as "Cocky", was a brave fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He flew planes during the Second World War. After the war, he became a top boss in television and media.
Hugh Dundas achieved amazing things at a young age. He became a squadron leader and received the Distinguished Flying Cross when he was just 21. By 22, he was a wing commander. At 23, he earned the Distinguished Service Order and became one of the youngest group captains in the RAF. He left the RAF in 1949. Later, in 1987, he was made a knight for his important work in business and media.
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Early Life and Joining the Air Force
Hugh Dundas was born in Doncaster, England, on 22 July 1920. He came from an important family. His grandfather was a Scottish politician named John Dundas. Hugh was also related to the Earl of Halifax.
Like his older brother, John, Hugh loved the idea of flying from a young age. After finishing school at Stowe School in 1938, he joined the Auxiliary Air Force (AuxAF). This was a volunteer air force that supported the main RAF. On 23 July 1939, just after his 19th birthday, he became an acting pilot officer.
World War II Heroics
Hugh Dundas was called to serve early in the Second World War. He flew Spitfire planes with No. 616 Squadron. On 22 August 1940, he was shot down and hurt during the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle over England. But he quickly returned to his squadron in September.
Sadly, his brother John, who was also a skilled pilot, was killed in action in November 1940. Hugh continued to fly bravely. In early 1941, his squadron was part of the RAF Tangmere Wing. It was led by the famous Wing Commander Douglas Bader. Hugh often flew with Bader and became known as a very good fighter pilot.
Awards for Bravery
Hugh was promoted to acting flight lieutenant. On 5 August 1941, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is given for bravery in air operations. The award said he showed "unflagging courage" and had destroyed at least three enemy aircraft.
In September 1941, Hugh became an instructor for a short time. Then he moved to No. 610 Squadron as a flight commander. He was promoted again to acting squadron leader. In December, he took command of No. 56 Squadron RAF. This squadron was the first to use the new Hawker Typhoon aircraft.
Hugh was mentioned in official reports for his good service on 1 January 1943. He was promoted to squadron leader on 11 February. In 1943, he was sent to the Mediterranean. He led No. 324 (Spitfire) Wing from Malta and through Italy. He received his first Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 3 March 1944. This is another very high award for outstanding leadership in battle.
In June 1944, Hugh was promoted to acting group captain at only 23 years old. He led No. 244 Wing. By the end of the war, he had destroyed or helped destroy 10 enemy aircraft.
After the War and Later Life
After the war, on 1 September 1945, Hugh Dundas officially joined the RAF permanently. He was promoted to squadron leader in December 1946. However, he decided to leave the RAF on 25 January 1947, keeping his rank of group captain.
He continued to serve in the AuxAF for a few more years. He commanded No. 601 (County of London) Squadron from 1948 to 1949. He also worked as an air reporter for the Daily Express newspaper.
In 1961, Hugh joined a company called Rediffusion Limited. He became a director in 1966. He later became the Chairman of Thames Television, a major TV company, until 1987. He was also appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in 1968.
For his important work as managing director of British Electric Traction, he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1977. As the company's chairman, he was made a knight in 1987. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name. In 1989, he served as High Sheriff of Surrey, a ceremonial role in his home county.
