William Henry Hubbard

Captain William Henry Hubbard was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories against enemy fighter planes despite spending a year and a half out of action. He was noted for his zeal in ground support missions, as well as his success against enemy fighters.

Hubbard had moved to Toronto in 1915 when he volunteered for military service. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Special Reserve on 1 January 1916. On 9 May 1916, he received Royal Aero Club pilot's certificate no. 2871. On 8 September, while flying a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2c for 5 Squadron, he destroyed a Fokker Eindekker over Saint Julien. On the day after Christmas, he was severely wounded by Erwin Boehme. Upon recovery, he was posted to Home Establishment as an instructor. He remained there until he was promoted Captain and appointed Flight Commander in 73 Squadron, flying a Sopwith Camel.^[2] Beginning 11 April 1918, he began to score a steady trickle of wins that took to a total of a dozen on 8 October. It was during this time that he earned both the DFC and a Bar in lieu of a second award; they were awarded more for his ground support missions than aerial success. At any rate, he ended the war with a tally of four German fighter planes destroyed, one set afire in midair, one captured, and six driven down out of control.^[3]

Military honors

Distinguished Flying Cross

Capt. William Henry Hubbard,

During recent operations he has repeatedly descended to low altitudes to release his bombs and to open machine-gun fire on troops and transport. He has shown the greatest gallantry, judgment and presence of mind. On several occasions he has attacked and driven down out of control enemy aeroplanes.^[4]

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Capt. William Henry Hubbard, D.F.C. (FRANCE.)

This officer has shown great bravery and devotion to duty both in destroying enemy aircraft—ten of which he has accounted for —and in silencing anti-Tank guns. On 27 September, flying at altitudes between 200 and 1,500 feet, he engaged and silenced many anti-Tank guns, thereby rendering valuable service. He at the same time completed a detailed and accurate reconnaissance of the area, locating the position of our troops.^[5]

References

• Under the Guns of the Kaiser's Aces: Bohme, Muller, Von Tutschek and Wolff: The Complete Record of Their Victories and Victims. Norman L. R. Franks, Hal Giblin. Grub Street, 2003. ISBN 1-904010-02-4, ISBN 978-1-904010-02-9.

Endnotes