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The second son of Thomas and Louisa (Gilhooley) Hughs, Geoffrey Forrest Hughes abandoned his studies at the University of Sydney in March 1916 to join the Royal Flying Corps in England. He was one of the highest scoring aces in 62 Squadron. A Bristol Fighter pilot, he and his observers were credited with 11 victories in the spring of 1918. 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. Post-war, Hughes became a solicitor and returned to service with the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II. |
Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser, New South Wales, Thursday, 4 Oct 1951
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| 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.
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| Victories |
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Date |
Time |
Unit |
Aircraft |
Opponent |
Location |
| 1 |
21 Feb 1918 |
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62 |
Bristol F.2b (C4630) 1 |
Two-seater (DES) |
Near Armentières |
| 2 |
10 Mar 1918 |
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62 |
Bristol F.2b 1 |
Albatros D.V (DESF) |
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| 3 |
10 Mar 1918 |
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62 |
Bristol F.2b 1 |
Albatros D.V (OOC) |
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| 4 |
11 Mar 1918 |
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62 |
Bristol F.2b 1 |
Fokker DR.I (OOC) |
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| 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 |
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| 1 |
Observer Hugh Claye |
| 2 |
Shared with Augustus Orlebar |
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