1939-45 Star clasp Battle of Britain; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45 with M.I.D. Oakleaf; General Service Medal GVIR clasp Palestine 1945-48 (GP. CPT. W.F.C. HOBSON. R.A.F.) - sold with three log books including the all-important one covering his Battle of Britain service, cloth pilot wings and Private Pilot's Certificate & Licence.
William Francis Cripps Hobson was born in London on 28 December 1910. He was educated at Wellington College whereafter he entered the Royal Air Force College at Cramwell in January 1929, as a Flight Cadet. On graduation he was awarded a permanent commission and on 20 December 1930 he joined 54 Squadron at Hornchurch. Whilst still a Cadet he got into a spot of bother with the law - the Grantham Journal of 29 November 1930 reporting that,
"William F.C. Hobson, Cadet College, Cranwell, was summoned for driving a motorcycle in a negligent manner, at Brauncewell on October 25th, - Mr Attlele represented defendant, and pleaded guilty. Defendant overtook two pedal cyclists near Brauncewell School and knocked them off their machines. Defendant admitted having looking been round after a friend, and had no time to give a warning or pass them in a proper manner and so he put his brakes on and rode between them. The Chairman said it might have had serious results and defendant would be fined £2 and 16 shillings costs."
On 26th February 1934 Hobson went on a course to the Air Armament School at Eastchurch. He joined the staff at No. 1 Air Defence Group (ADGB) London on 9th September 1935. He was posted to the Aircraft Depot Karachi on 14th March 1936. Hobson returned to the UK in 1938 and on 16th August he joined the staff at 6 Armament Training Station at Warmwell.
He was posted to 4 Armament Training Station at West Freugh on 8th May 1939. Hobson arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 4th June 1940 for a refresher course. After converting to Hurricanes he went to 64 Squadron at Kenley on 4th July as a supernumerary.
Hobson took command of 601 Squadron at Tangmere on the 20th July, leading it until 10th August when he was admitted to hospital. 601 Squadron, also known as the "Millionaires' Squadron", played a significant role in the Battle of Britain. It was one of the first auxiliary squadrons and gained notoriety for its wealthy members and lavish lifestyle, but also for its effectiveness in combat. The squadron flew Hawker Hurricanes and Supermarine Spitfires during the battle, defending London from German air attacks. Notable pilots like William Henry Rhodes-Moorhouse and American William "Billy" Fiske, who tragically died in action during the battle flew with 601 seeing action in the early stages of the war, including skirmishes to protect shipping lanes and later, intense combat during the Battle of Britain.
The Luftwaffe was suffering terrible losses in the battle, but they were not aware of how close the Royal Air Force was to being overcome. Another three weeks of battle would have seen it beaten. But on September 7th the Luftwaffe’s tactics changed from attacking Britain’s air defences to the Blitz, which was horrific for the people of London, but allowed time for the RAF to recover from the intensive war in the air which they’d fought and won.
Hobson was Mentioned in Dispatches in the LG of 1 January 1943 (as a Wing Commander) - "The King has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following personnel who have been mentioned in despatches by Air Officers Commanding-in-Chief."
He saw further service with the R.A.F. in Palestine post-WWII, retiring on 23rd May 1956 as a Wing Commander, retaining the rank of Group Captain. He was a Church Warden at the church of St. Simon Zelotes, Chelsea, London SW3, from 1969 to 1979
Hobson died in June 1995 in Aylesbury Vale, Buckinghamshire.
Medals are in good condition unless stipulated otherwise. Sold with some research.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS GROUP WAS ORIGINALLY SOLD WITH A COPY BATTLE OF BRITAIN CLASP - WE HAVE REPLACED THIS WITH AN ORIGINAL, SOURCED FROM SPINK. WE HAVE INCLUDED THE LOOSE COPY CLASP TOGETHER WITH THE GROUP FOR COMPARISON PURPOSES.
