S/L Osgood "Pedro" Hanbury

[Antipodean Andy]

Earned his nickname because of his big moustache and, when relaxed, apparently looked like a Mexican! BoB pilot with 602 Sqn, I've seen reference to 11 victories. CO of 260 Sqn in North Africa on two separate occasions, the second after a four month stint at HQ in Cairo or thereabouts, his living quarters was the command caravan, even when the LG was being bombed/strafed.

Remarked to Ron Cundy (F/L, DFC, DFM, MiD, author of the book I'm reading at the moment) that their captured He-111 wouldn't be too hard to fly because:

There's just two of everything not one.

Not overly familiar with London Gazette etc and don't have time at present but would like to know more about him if anyone can find anything. Thought I'd better post something with meat on here too as I've been doing a number of one-liners lately!

[Kyt]

DFC citation
LG 19 May 1942
Acting Squadron Leader Osgood -Villiers HANBURY (81357), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 260 Squadron.
In April, 1942, this.officer led a successful sortie against an enemy force of bombers, escorted by fighters, which attempted to raid Tobruk. At least 4 of the raiding aircraft were destroyed, of which Squadron Leader Hanbury destroyed I. This officer continued to engage the enemy until his aircraft was so extensively damaged that he was compelled to land. Througnout, he displayed magnificent leadership and courage. Squadron Leader Hanbury has destroyed at least 5 enemy aircraft.

Bar to DFC
LG 24 July 1942
Squadron Leader Osgood Villiers HANBURY, D.F.C. (8l357). Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 260 Squadron.
This officer continues to display outstanding skill; courage and fine leadership. Under his leadership his squadron has inflicted heavy losses on the enemy both in air combat and on the ground. During a recent sortie he led a formation as escort to our bombers, far behind-the enemy lines, and heavy damage was caused. All our bombers returned safely

DSO citation
LG 27 April 1943
Acting Squadron Leader Osgood Villiers HANBURY, D.F.C. (91537), Auxiliary Air Force, No. 260 Squadron.
This officer is an inspiring leader whose courageous example has contributed materially to the high standard of operational efficiency of the squadron he commands. In operations covering the great advance from El Alamein, Squadron Leader Hanbury led formations of aircraft with great skill, attacking and harassing the enemy with destructive effect. In attacks on the enemy's dispositions near Ksar Rhilane and at El Hamma, Squadron Leader Hanbury exhibited great dash. His fearlessness, efficiency and unswerving devotion to duty have been worthy of the highest praise.

I shall scan and post his details from Aces High tomorrow

[Kyt]

Name: HANBURY, OSGOOD VILLIERS
Initials: O V
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Squadron Leader
Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
Unit Text: 117 Sqdn.
Age: 25
Date of Death: 03/06/1943
Service No: 81357
Awards: D S O, D F C and Bar
Additional information: Son of Maj. Philip Hanbury and Dorothy Maude Hanbury, of Herriard, Hampshire; husband of Cecil Patricia Hanbury.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 200.
Memorial: RUNNYMEDE MEMORIAL

[Antipodean Andy]

Bugger, that's sad. Thanks, Kyt. No indication of his death so far in the book and I've grown rather "attached" to him, if that makes sense and doesn't sound ridiculous. Will see what Cundy has to say about it as I'm at about Nov/Dec '42 so far.

Cundy's attack on the lighter, the one quoted in his DFC citation, was handled, typically, in his understated way. Fired on the ship, lots of flak so he "fired for all he was worth" and kept heading towards the coast. Set the lighter on fire. Didn't treat it as anything special, just another of his reminiscenses

[Kyt]

I knew something was bugging me. It's just clicked. The CWGC have got his squadron wrong. In fact he was killed when the Hudson that he was a passenger in, travelling back to Britan, was shot down over the Bay of Biscay. It must have been a 117 Squadron Hudson but he was with 260 Squadron.

[Antipodean Andy]

I noticed the sqn as well but didn't figure an error of sorts.

After his BoB service and then two tours in the desert...of all the ways to go...