Battle of Britain Monument Home THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN LONDON MONUMENT Battle of Britain London Monument
The Battle of Britain London Monument "Never in the field of human
conflict was so much owed
by so many to so few
."
Site of Battleof Britain London Monument Work in Progress London Monument Site Drawing of Battle of Britain London Monument
Battle of Britain London Monument Home    
   

The Airmen's Stories - F/O B A Hanbury

 

Bruce Alexander Hanbury was born in Vancouver, Canada on 11th April 1911, the son of John Hanbury (1855-1928) and Minnie Hanbury (nee Isbister 1876-1957).

He graduated from McGill University before training as a pilot with Trans-Canada Airlines.

Hanbury joined the RCAF on 16th August 1939. He arrived in England in July/August 1940 and joined 112 (RCAF) Squadron, an army co-operation unit with Lysanders.

He volunteered for Fighter Command, arrived at 6 OTU Sutton Bridge on 16th September and after converting to Hurricanes he was posted to No 1 Squadron at Wittering on 3rd October 1940, moving to No 1 (RCAF) Squadron at Prestwick on the 21st.

 

 

Hanbury was killed in a flying accident on 27th March 1942 as a Squadron Leader with 409 (RCAF) Squadron. He was flying in Beaufighter IIF T3142 which entered a flat spin and crashed at Lexeton, Lincolnshire during a demonstration flight.

Also killed were crew members F/Sgt. John William Dickson RCAF and P/O Philip Marcus Sweet RCAF.

 

 

 

 

All are buried in Scopwick Church Burial Ground, Lincolnshire.

 

He is also commemorated at the family plot in Burnaby, Vancouver (below):

 

 

 

Battle of Britain Monument