S/Ldr Hoskins 37076 - 254 Sqn RAF
 

Hello,

I was reading the responses to Andy Bird’s recent thread about Coastal Command Fighter Claims and was interested to see the name S/Ldr H.V. Hoskins. Does anyone have further details about his shared claim with 254 Sqn RAF on 2nd Oct 40 (aircraft serial/code, crew, location, time etc)? Additionally, I am after any service details/biographical information for this pilot.

From searching some of the usual online references – Harold Victor was an Australian and Pt Cook graduate on short service commission in the RAF (1935). He was posted to 3 Sqn RAF also in 1935 and then 2 FTS at Digby the following year. There is a gap from this point until arrival on 254 Sqn in Aug 40 and subsequent departure Jul 41. Hoskins received three Mention in Despatches throughout WWII (Sept 41, Jun 43, Jan 44) and remained in the RAF postwar. It is possible he was appointed an instructor after 1941 (?).

Thanks in advance,

Regards, Drew H.

Re: S/Ldr Hoskins 37076 - 254 Sqn RAF
 

Hi Drew,

Hoskin's wasn't flying on 2nd October 1940, his first flight in this month was on the 7th, covering a convoy in Moray Firth flying Blenheim Mk IV L9046 landing away at Wick

Up: 18.02 hours
Down: 20.18 hours

Kind Regard's

Andy Bird

Re: S/Ldr Hoskins 37076 - 254 Sqn RAF
 

Hi Andy,

Thanks for your reply. I realise you are busy preparing your book, however, if you have access to the 254 Sqn ORB could you possibly please check whether Hoskins claimed on another date? His first MiD was gazetted on 24th Sept 41, so perhaps this was in response to a possible action? Would also be interested to know if Hoskins flew with a regular crew. Thanks.

Regards, Drew

Re: S/Ldr Hoskins 37076 - 254 Sqn RAF
 

Hi Drew,
Here are some of his flights, the other ORB's are on Mac at work will check.
Best Wishes
Andy

Did Not Fly any Sorties in September 1940
7th Oct 1940 - L9406 Convoy Escort - Moray Firth landed away at Wick
11th Oct 1940 - R3888 Convoy Escort - Hoskins, Sgt Pigdon, Sgt Tyson shrapnel damage by friendly fire two thumb size holes rear fuselage.
22nd Oct 1940 -R3888 Convoy Escort - Hoskins, Sgt Taylor, Sgt Bywaters Aberdeen, Peterhead, Banff (Boyndie) adverse weather landed Dyce

Re: S/Ldr Hoskins 37076 - 254 Sqn RAF
 

Hi Andy,

Thanks so much for checking Hoskins’ ops with 254 Sqn. It would be interesting to discover whether his posting to 254 was his first wartime appointment. I look forward to any other details you may find in the ORB, when time permits.

Drew