Hugh Riddle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh Joseph Riddle
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Huseph |
| Born | 24 May 1912 London |
| Died | 16 April 2009 (Aged 97) Pierrevert, France |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938–1946 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Relations | Christopher Riddle |
| Other work | Portrait painting (Royal Society of Portrait Painters) |
Squadron Leader Hugh Joseph "Huseph" Riddle was a brave Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot during World War II. He is famous for flying in the Battle of Britain, a very important air battle.
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Hugh Riddle's Early Life
Hugh Joseph Riddle, who everyone called "Huseph", was born in London, England, on May 24, 1912. He went to a school called Harrow School when he was younger.
Flying for the Air Force
Hugh Riddle joined a special part of the RAF called No. 601 Squadron in 1938. This was part of the Auxiliary Air Force, which was like a volunteer air force. He started serving full-time in October 1939, just after World War II began.
Hugh flew with 601 Squadron during the entire Battle of Britain. His younger brother, "Jack", also flew with him in the same squadron. The Battle of Britain was a huge air fight where British pilots defended their country from enemy planes.
On July 11, 1940, Hugh Riddle shot down an enemy plane while flying with his squadron. His brother Jack also shot down two enemy planes during this time. Both Hugh and Jack Riddle were promoted to Squadron Leader on the same day, December 1, 1941. This was a big achievement for both brothers!
Hugh Riddle's Family Life
In 1937, Hugh Riddle married a woman named Joan, but everyone called her "Tinker". Her father, Claude Johnson, was very important. He was the first boss of Rolls-Royce Ltd, the famous car company. He also helped start the RAC.
Hugh and Tinker had three children after the war ended: Hugh ("Ras"), Victoria ("Wicky"), and Arabel. When Hugh retired in 1974, he and Tinker moved to France. Sadly, Tinker passed away suddenly in 1994.
Life After the War
After World War II, Hugh Riddle went back to his passion: painting portraits. He became a member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, which is a group of very talented artists. His paintings were shown in their exhibitions and sometimes even at the Royal Academy.
Hugh Riddle even painted the Queen of England in 1965! This painting was for the RAF Regiment. Later, in 1977, the Royal Household asked him to paint Prince Edward. This painting was a special gift for the Queen and Prince Philip to celebrate their Silver Wedding anniversary.
Hugh "Huseph" Riddle lived a long life. He passed away on April 16, 2009, in Pierrevert, France, when he was 97 years old.
