Basil Deacon Hobbs


Basil Deacon Hobbs, DSO, OBE, DSC is a British and Canadian aviator. He is the second most highly decorated pilot in Canada.

Early years

Hobbs moved to Canada at a young age. In 1915 he went to take flight training at the Wright Flying School in Dayton, Ohio.

First World War Service

In 1915 Hobbs Joined the Royal Naval Air Service as a Flight Lieutenant. During the war he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Service Order later that same year. While flying a Curtiss H-12, He is one of the few Canadian pilots to score a victory over a German Zeppelin.

Interwar flying

In 1920 Basil Joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, he resigned his commission in 1927 holding the rank of Major. During this time he was employed by the Canadian Air Board as a "certificate examiner".

Second World War Service

At Canada's entry into the Second World War, Basil was recommissioned as a Group Captain in the RCAF. Stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, he was employed in anti-submarine operations and training.

Death

He died in 1963.

Awards and honours