S/Ldr Hoskins 37076 - 254 Sqn RAF

[AUS_RAAF]

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.