Philip Hunter

Philip Hunter, DSO (11 April 1913 – 24 August 1940) was a Royal Air Force pilot, squadron commander and a Second World War flying ace, awarded the Distinguished Service Order for leading the destruction of thirty-eight enemy aircraft in only two missions over the Dunkirk evacuation beaches in May 1940. He was killed in action leading his squadron during the Battle of Britain. Early life Philip Hunter was born in Frimley, Surrey, the son of Captain Albert and Clare Hunter. He was educated at King's School, Canterbury from September 1922 until July 1924, then at Rosslyn House, Felixstowe and Bishop Stortford School. Royal Air Force Hunter joined the Royal Air Force, passing out from the Royal Air Force College Cranwell as a probationary pilot officer on 11 September 1931. He completed his flying training at No. 5 Flying Training School (Sealand). On 29 August 1932 he joined No. 25 Squadron RAF based at RAF Hawkinge, flying Hawker Fury Mark Is. On 11 September 1932 he was confirmed in his rank as a pilot officer. On 28 February 1933 he was posted to No. 6 Squadron RAF, then based at Ismailia in Egypt, flying Fairey Gordon light bombers and was promoted to flying officer on 11 April 1933. He was promoted to flight lieutenant on 11 April 1936, and returned to England and joined the staff of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell on 9 November 1936. He was then posted to the Central Flying School at RAF Upavon as a Senior Instructor. He was promoted to squadron leader on 1 December 1938. His biography has recently been published in the "Fighter Leaders" collection volume 2. and his flying logbook and medals donated to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. Wartime service The urgent need for wartime leaders resulted in Hunter being posted to command No. 254 Squadron RAF when it formed in October 1939, flying Bristol Blenheim twin engine fighters. He held command until January 1940 when his skills were more urgently required elsewhere.