Hugh Hay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Allport Hay
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| Born | 24 November 1889 Newchurch, Rossendale, Lancashire, England |
| Died | 13 October 1965 (aged 75) Middleton Hall, Middleton St. George, Darlington, County Durham, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1919 1939–1945 |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | West Yorkshire Regiment No. 11 Squadron RAF Durham Light Infantry Royal Artillery |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Military Cross Efficiency Decoration |
| Relations | Roger Hay (brother) |
Major Hugh Allport Hay MC ED (born November 24, 1889 – died October 13, 1965) was a brave British World War I pilot. He was known as a flying ace because he shot down five enemy aircraft during the war.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Hugh Allport Hay was the oldest of three sons. His father, Reynell Wreford Hay, was a teacher and later a church leader. Hugh went to Armstrong College, Newcastle, which is now part of Newcastle University.
Serving in World War I
Hugh Hay joined the army in 1915 as a second lieutenant in the West Yorkshire Regiment. His two younger brothers also joined the army.
Awarded the Military Cross
In June 1916, Hugh was given the Military Cross. This award is for showing great bravery in battle. He earned it for scouting enemy trenches very closely before an attack. He also led his soldiers with skill during the attack. He was known as a very capable leader.
Becoming a Pilot
In 1917, Hugh joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force at the time. He earned his pilot's license in November 1917.
In early 1918, Hugh was sent to No. 11 Squadron RFC. He flew the Bristol F.2 Fighter, a two-seater plane. On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps became the Royal Air Force (RAF).
Flying Ace Victories
Just a week later, on April 7, Hugh achieved his first aerial victory. He and his observer, Sergeant P. A. Sherlock, forced an enemy Albatros C plane down.
Hugh continued to show great skill in the air:
- On May 4, he and Sherlock shot down a Pfalz D.III plane, which caught fire.
- On August 11, with a new observer, 2nd Lieutenant E. J. Norris, he destroyed another Albatros D.V plane in the same way.
- By August 26, Hugh was promoted to temporary captain and became a flight commander, leading other pilots.
- On September 6, Hugh and Lieutenant A. H. Craig destroyed two Fokker D.VII planes.
After the war ended, Hugh left the RAF in June 1919.
Serving in World War II
Hugh Hay returned to military service just before World War II began. He joined an anti-aircraft unit in the Territorial Army. This unit helped protect against enemy planes.
He became a captain in 1939. His unit later became the 54th Searchlight Regiment, Royal Artillery. Hugh served throughout World War II. He left the army in August 1945, when the war ended, and was given the honorary rank of major. In 1951, he received the Efficiency Decoration for his long and dedicated service.
