Hugh John Beazley
| Hugh John Sherard Beazley | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Hugh John Sherard Beazley |
| Nickname(s) | Beazle |
| Born | 18 July 1916 |
| Died | 13 June 2011 (aged 94) Cornwall |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom
|
| Service/branch |
 Royal Air Force
|
| Years of service | 1939–1946 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit | No. 249 Squadron RAF, No. 89 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | No. 249 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Other work | Colonial Office |
Wing Commander Hugh John Sherard "Beazle" Beazley, DFC (18 July 1916 – 13 June 2010) was a famed World War II Royal Air Force fighter pilot.
Hugh John Sherard Beazley was born on 18 July 1916, the son of a judge His Honour Sir Hugh Loveday Beazley. He was educated at Cheltenham College and Pembroke College, Oxford, where he read History. Whilst at university he began flying with the Oxford University Air Squadron and played rugby for Richmond.
On the outbreak of war, Beazley was called up to serve in the Royal Air Force and completed his training as a pilot at Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
Beazley joined No. 249 Squadron RAF at RAF Church Fenton on its formation in May 1940 as a Flying Officer flying Hurricanes. He was promoted to the rank of Flying Officer on 25 September 1940.
On 8 July Beazley shared in the destruction of an enemy bomber over Yorkshire. No. 249 Squadron RAF then moved to RAF North Weald to join No. 11 Group RAF in the main Battle in the south of England. On 2 September he probably destroyed a Messerschmitt but was attacked in turn; his Hurricane burst into flames. Beazley bailed out and landed safely near Gillingham – despite being fired on by the local artillery battery. He was soon back in action, and four days later shared in the destruction of another enemy fighter. On 15 September, now known as Battle of Britain Day, he accounted for a Dornier Do 17 and two days later he shared in the destruction of a Junkers Ju 88.
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