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The Airmen's Stories - P/O C A Hobson

 

Colin Anthony Hobson was born on 25th October 1918, the son of George Colin and May Victoria Hobson of Monxton, Hampshire.

He had a sister Olive and brother Guy. Tony, as he was always called, was educated at Eastbourne College, in Pennell House, from 1932 to 1935. On leaving he worked in a city accountant's office and subsequently as a clerk in a City stockbrokers' office until 1939.

He enjoyed rugby, rowing and squash. The family had lived at Laleham, Furze Hill, Kingswood since 1925 but then moved to Monxton near Andover, Hampshire. The Hobsons had been in the cutlery business for several generations but neither Tony or his brother Guy entered the family firm.

He had joined the Territorial Army, enlisting as a Gunner in the Royal Horse Artillery but was discharged in 1939 when he volunteered to join the RAF as aircrew.

On 10th May 1939 a RAF Medical board classified him as fit for pilot training and he was posted to the Civilian Flying school at Redhill in June 1939 for his initial training. In September he moved to No.14 FTS at Kinloss, Scotland for training on more advanced aircraft, including the twin-engined Airspeed Oxford.

By 3rd November he had gained his wings. His course, which he passed with a score of 72%, ended in January 1940 and his final report rated his flying ability 'average' but saying that he had no outstanding faults and ‘he will make a good officer with experience’.

His first posting was to 12 Group Pool, Aston Down on 10th February 1940, he then converted to Blenheims and was posted (perhaps because of his City background) to 600 (City of London) Squadron at Manston on 4th May 1940.

 

 

(Above photo Hobson family via Banstead History Research Group)

 

On 3rd October, operating from Redhill, Hobson was captain of Blenheim BQ-M L4905 which suffered engine failure in heavy rain while on a dawn patrol. The aircraft crashed into high ground at Broadstone Warren, Forest Row, Sussex.

Hobson and his crew, Sgt DE Hughes and AC2 CF Cooper, were all killed.

Hobson is buried at All Saints Churchyard, Banstead, Surrey.

 

 

 

(Additional research courtesy of Banstead History Research Group)


 

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