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):