The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R P Hawkings

Redvers Percival Hawkings was born in late 1918 in Bristol, the son of Redvers Arthur Hawkings (1900-1991) and Emily Ada Hawkings (nee Powell 1899-1976).

He was the oldest of five brothers – all except the youngest served in the Second World War. He went to Bristol Grammar School and went on to work at Will’s tobacco factory as an accountant.

Hawkings joined the RAFVR about June 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot.

He was called to full-time service on 1st September 1939 and completed his training at 5 FTS Sealand on No. 44 Course, which ran from 6th November 1939 to 20th May 1940.

Hawkings joined 601 Squadron at Tangmere direct from 5 FTS and made his first flight on 21st May.

He was given the nickname ‘Red’.

On 7th July Hawkings shared in destroying a Do17, on the 11th he probably destroyed a He111, on 11th August he probably destroyed a Me110 and on the 13th he destroyed a Ju88, probably another and damaged a Ju88 and two Me110s.

Hawkings was shot down over the Sussex coast on 18th August 1940 and killed. His Hurricane, L1990, crashed off Summer Lane, Nyetimber, Pagham, Sussex.

He was 22.

Hawkings is buried in St Peters churchyard, Filton, Gloucestershire.

Above image courtesy of Gravestone Photographic Resource.