Hugh John Beazley facts for kids

Wing Commander Hugh John Sherard "Beazle" Beazley (born July 18, 1916 – died June 13, 2011) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. He was known for his courage in the sky, especially during the famous Battle of Britain.

Early Life and Studies

Hugh John Sherard Beazley was born in 1916. His father was a judge. Hugh went to Cheltenham College and then to Pembroke College, Oxford to study history. While at university, he started learning to fly planes with the Oxford University Air Squadron. He also played rugby for Richmond.

Joining the Royal Air Force

When the Second World War began, Hugh Beazley joined the Royal Air Force (RAF). He trained to become a pilot at Royal Air Force College Cranwell. This training prepared him to fly fighter planes and defend his country.

Fighting in the Battle of Britain

In May 1940, Beazley joined No. 249 Squadron RAF. He flew Hurricane fighter planes. This was a very important time, as the Battle of Britain was about to begin. The Battle of Britain was a huge air fight where the RAF defended the UK from German attacks.

On July 8, Beazley helped shoot down an enemy bomber. His squadron then moved to RAF North Weald to join the main battle in southern England. On September 2, he likely destroyed a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 plane. However, his own Hurricane was hit and caught fire. Beazley had to parachute out of his burning plane. He landed safely, even though local anti-aircraft guns mistakenly fired at him!

He was back in action quickly. Four days later, he helped destroy another enemy fighter. On September 15, known as Battle of Britain Day, he shot down a Dornier Do 17 bomber. Two days after that, he helped destroy a Junkers Ju 88 bomber.

On September 27, 1940, while attacking another German plane, Beazley was badly wounded in his foot. He managed to fly his damaged plane back to base. This injury meant he had to go to the hospital, and it was his last action during the Battle of Britain.

Later War Missions

After spending five months recovering, Beazley rejoined his squadron in March 1941. They sailed to Malta on a large ship called HMS Ark Royal. On May 21, 1941, Beazley and his squadron launched their planes from the ship and landed in Malta.

In Malta, Beazley continued to fly dangerous missions. He damaged an Italian bomber and a German Messerschmitt Bf 109. He also flew a mission over Sicily and destroyed a train. On January 19, 1942, his Hurricane was hit by ground fire during an attack on an Italian airfield. He had to crash-land his plane when he returned to Malta.

In February 1942, he likely destroyed a German Junkers 88 bomber. Beazley became the commanding officer of his squadron. But after 10 months of non-stop flying and 215 combat missions, he was given a rest.

Beazley returned to flying in December 1942, this time flying a different plane called the twin-engined Beaufighter. He joined No. 89 Squadron RAF in North Africa. In October 1943, he went with his squadron to fight in South East Asia.

In March 1944, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This award is given for great courage and leadership. He was also put in charge of an airfield in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He was promoted to squadron leader in June 1944.

Towards the end of the war, Beazley was offered another promotion. But this would mean he would have to stop flying. Since he loved flying, he chose to join RAF Transport Command. He flew large transport planes called Dakotas across Europe, the Middle East, and the Far East. He left the RAF in 1946.

Life After the War

After the war, Beazley worked for the Colonial Office in Nigeria for 10 years. He loved Nigeria and its people. He later became an accountant and worked as a finance director until he retired in 1981.

Beazley was also a strong supporter of the Conservative Party in England. He served as a local councillor and helped lead the party in his area.

He was also very involved in the Battle of Britain Memorial Trust. He helped create a special memorial to "The Few" – the brave pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain – at Capel-Le-Ferne.

Hugh Beazley passed away on June 13, 2011. He is remembered as a courageous pilot and a dedicated public servant.