Osgood Hanbury facts for kids

Osgood Philip Villiers "Pedro" Hanbury (born September 13, 1917 – died June 3, 1943) was a brave pilot in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down 11 enemy aircraft. Sadly, he died in action in 1943.

Early Life and Joining the RAF

Osgood Hanbury grew up in England. He went to a famous school called Eton College. After his schooling, he decided to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). He officially became a pilot on June 30, 1940.

World War II Service

Hanbury started his RAF career flying a Westland Lysander plane. His job was to carry out important messages and supplies in the British Isles. This was called "liaison duties."

Battle of Britain Heroics

On September 3, 1940, during the intense Battle of Britain, Hanbury volunteered for RAF Fighter Command. This meant he would fly fighter planes to protect Britain from enemy attacks. He joined No. 602 Squadron RAF.

He quickly became successful in air battles. He flew a Supermarine Spitfire Mk I, which was a very famous British fighter plane. By the end of 1940, he had already shot down four enemy aircraft.

Fighting in North Africa

In May 1941, Hanbury was moved to No. 260 Squadron RAF. This squadron was based in the Middle East and North Africa. Here, he flew Curtiss P-40 Warhawk planes.

On May 22, 1942, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award was for his bravery in leading a defense against an enemy air raid on Tobruk.

Leading a Squadron

Hanbury became the commanding officer of No. 260 Squadron on June 23, 1942. He was also promoted to flight officer. For his strong leadership and actions against the enemy, he received a Bar to his DFC on July 28, 1942. This meant he had earned the DFC twice.

On April 20, 1943, he was given another high honor: the Distinguished Service Order.

Final Mission

Osgood Hanbury was killed on June 3, 1943. He was a passenger on a Lockheed Hudson plane from No. 117 Squadron RAF. The plane was shot down by a German aircraft over the Bay of Biscay. At the time of his death, he had achieved 11 confirmed victories against enemy planes.

Personal Life and Legacy

Just eleven days before he died, Osgood Hanbury married Patricia Cecil Harman on May 22, 1943. Their son, Christopher Osgood Philip Hanbury, was born after his father's death, on February 16, 1944.

Osgood Hanbury is remembered at the Air Forces Memorial. A book about his wartime experiences, called Pedro: The life and death of Osgood Villiers Hanbury, DFC and Bar, was published in 2010.

Images for kids

• 

  X4382, a late production Spitfire Mk I of No. 602 Squadron flown by Pilot Officer Osgood Hanbury, Westhampnett, September 1940