Frank Hobson
Frank Hobson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 8 October 1894 Leeds, Yorkshire, England |
| Died | 5 May 1951 (aged 56) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Royal Engineers No. 65 Squadron RFC |
| Battles / wars | First World War |
| Awards | Military Cross |
Frank Harold Hobson, MC (8 October 1894 – 1951) was a British flying ace of the First World War, credited with 15 aerial victories.[1]
Biography
Hobson was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, on 8 October 1894. He originally served in the Royal Engineers, but transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, being commissioned a temporary second lieutenant (on probation) on 10 May 1917.[2] In September 1917, he scored his first victory while he was assigned to No. 65 Squadron RFC.[3] Flying Sopwith Camel No. B2305, he drove down an Albatros D.V out of control. He then scored triumphs in every month between then and March 1918, except for February. A summary of his record shows ten enemy aircraft destroyed and five driven down out of control.[1] He was awarded the Military Cross on 4 March 1918.[4]
Following his last victory on 25 March 1918,[1] Hobson was removed from combat duty and assigned to No. 72 Training Squadron in the Home Establishment in England. He ended his duty and left the service in February 1919.[3] He died in Leicester on 5 May 1951.
Honours and awards
- Military Cross
- Temporary 2nd Lieutenant Frank Hobson, General List and Royal Flying Corps.
- For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He has destroyed several enemy aeroplanes and driven others down out of control. On one occasion he descended to a height of 100 feet and attacked a party of the enemy with his machine gun, inflicting several casualties on them. He has shown splendid resource and determination on all occasions.[5]
References
- Citations
- ^ a b c "Frank Harold Hobson". The Aerodrome. 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2015.
- ^ "No. 30100". The London Gazette (Supplement). 29 May 1917. p. 5309.
- ^ a b Franks (2003), p.64.
- ^ "No. 30555". The London Gazette (Supplement). 1 March 1918. p. 2728.
- ^ "No. 30845". The London Gazette (Supplement). 13 August 1918. p. 9565.
- Bibliography
- Franks, Norman (2003). Sopwith Camel Aces of World War I. London, UK: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84176-534-1.