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Today in History

 
Name: Geoffrey Forrest Hughes
Military Cross (MC)
Air Force Cross (AFC)
Country: Australia
Rank: Captain
Service: Royal Flying Corps
Royal Air Force
Unit: 62
Victories: 11
Born: 12 July 1895
Place of Birth: Sydney, New South Wales
Died: 13 September 1951
Place of Death:  
 
A Bristol Fighter pilot, Geoffrey Forrest Hughes was one of the highest scoring aces in 62 Squadron. In the spring of 1918, he and his observers were credited with 11 victories. Under the guns of Hughes, Hugh Claye and Camel pilot Augustus Orlebar, Lothar von Richthofen fell out of control east of Cambrai in a Fokker DR.I on 13 March 1918.
 
Military Cross (MC)
2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) Geoffrey Forrest Hughes, R.F.C., Spec. Res.
   For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While leading his formation over the enemy's lines he was attacked by twelve enemy machines, two of which he shot down. On the following day, when in charge of a patrol, he attacked seven enemy triplanes, drove down one out of control, and forced three others to land. On another occasion, while in charge of a patrol, he was attacked by a large number of enemy scouts; owing to his skilful flying his observer succeeded in shooting down one of the enemy machines, which broke up in the air. He always showed the greatest coolness and courage in action, and, as a flight commander, led his formation with splendid courage and determination.
Supplement to the London Gazette, 13 May 1918 (30681/5700)
 
Opponents
#6 Germany Lothar von Richthofen
 
Victories
Date Time Unit Aircraft Opponent Location
1 21 Feb 1918 62 Bristol F.2b (C4630) 1 Two-seater (DES) Near Armentières
2 10 Mar 1918 62 Bristol F.2b 1 Albatros D.V (DESF)  
3 10 Mar 1918 62 Bristol F.2b 1 Albatros D.V (OOC)  
4 11 Mar 1918 62 Bristol F.2b 1 Fokker DR.I (OOC)  
5 13 Mar 1918 1030 62 Bristol F.2b (C4630) 1 Pfalz D.III (OOC) E of Cambrai
6 13 Mar 1918 1030 62 Bristol F.2b (C4630) 1 Fokker DR.I (DES) 2 E of Cambrai
7 12 Apr 1918 1420 62 Bristol F.2b 1 Albatros D.V (OOC) S of Bois du Biez
8 12 Apr 1918 1500 62 Bristol F.2b 1 LVG C (DESF) Auchy les La Bassée
9 22 Apr 1918 1030 62 Bristol F.2b 1 Fokker D.VII (OOC) Nieppe Forest
10 22 Apr 1918 1030 62 Bristol F.2b 1 Fokker D.VII (OOC) Nieppe Forest
11 10 May 1918 1835 62 Bristol F.2b 1 Rumpler C (OOC) Combles-Péronne
1 Observer Hugh Claye
2 Shared with Augustus Orlebar
 
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