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Richard Kaye Hamblin
Birth name Richard Kaye Hamblin
Born (1906-12-16)16 December 1906
Fyzabad, India
Died 30 August 1988(1988-08-30) (aged 81)
Alton, Hampshire, England
Allegiance  United Kingdom
Service/branch  Royal Air Force
Years of service 1924–1956
Rank Air Commodore
Service number 16223
Unit No. 17 Squadron RAF

No. 56 Squadron RAF
No. 31 Squadron RAF
No. 5 Squadron RAF

No. 142 Squadron RAF
Commands held No. 17 Squadron RAF
No. 85 Squadron RAF
No. 142 Squadron RAF
Battles/wars World War II
Awards Order of the British Empire (CBE)

Richard Kaye Hamblin (born December 16, 1906 – died August 30, 1988) was a very brave pilot in the Royal Air Force, which is the UK's air force. He reached the high rank of Air Commodore. He was one of "The Few" pilots who flew Hawker Hurricane planes with No. 17 Squadron RAF during the important Battle of Britain in World War II.

Early Life and Air Force Start

Richard Hamblin was born in Fyzabad, India, on December 16, 1906. When he was four years old, he lived in Hampshire, England, with his grandfather.

In 1926, Richard joined the Royal Air Force as a flight cadet. This meant he was training to become a pilot. On July 30, 1926, he became a pilot with No. 56 Squadron RAF.

Training and Service in India

In 1930, Richard went to a special school. He trained to become a signals officer. This job involved managing communications like radio signals.

In October 1932, he was sent to No. 31 Squadron RAF in India. He later became a flight commander with No. 5 Squadron RAF. This role meant he was in charge of a group of planes. Before leaving India, he was promoted to Squadron Leader.

World War II Heroics

In 1938, Richard became the commanding officer of No. 142 Squadron RAF. This squadron flew Fairey Battle aircraft.

During the Battle of Britain, a major air battle, he flew missions with No. 17 Squadron RAF. This was a very dangerous time for pilots.

Later War Service and Awards

In November 1941, he took command of No. 85 Squadron RAF. This squadron flew Douglas Havoc planes.

On November 12, 1942, Richard married Elizabeth Bond. She was a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF).

Richard was recognized for his bravery four times during World War II. In 1946, he received a special award. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

After the War

After the war, Richard continued to serve in important roles. He was in charge of the Air Headquarters in West Africa. He also worked in personnel, helping manage air force staff.

In 1954, he became the Director of Personnel. He retired from the Royal Air Force in 1956. By then, he had reached the high rank of Air Commodore.

Richard Hamblin passed away on August 30, 1988, in Hampshire, England.

See also

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