Operation: Scramble

Date: 06th September 1940

Unit: No. 501 Squadron

Type: Hurricane I

Serial: V6612

Base: RAF Gravesend, Kent

Location: Clavertye, Nr. Elham, Kent

Pilot: P/O. Hugh Charles Adams 85645 RAFVR Age 22. Killed

REASON FOR LOSS:

During the Battle of Britain on the 2nd September 1940 he shot down a Bf109 over Ashford at 08.10 hrs before he was hit in Spitfire V7234 over Gravesend. He flew the aircraft back and it was repaired.

On the 6th September during a patrol he was shot down and killed following action over Ashford at 09.00 hrs. The aircraft came down at Clavertye, near Elham, Kent. The squadron also lost two other pilots during this operation:

19 year old, Sgt. Oliver Vincent Houghton 745437 from Coventry, flying Hurricane V6646.
21 year old, Sgt. Geoffrey Wilberforce Pearson 742740 from East End, Oxfordshire, flying Hurricane P3516.

Burial details:

P/O. Hugh Charles Adams. Tandridge Churchyard (St. Peter). North of church. Further information (supplied by Sherborne School Archives): Son of John Coker Adams, and Grace Adams, of Chaddleworth, Berkshire, England. Born on the 16th April 1918. Attended Sherborne School (The Green) September 1932-December 1936; House Prefect; 2nd XI (1936); 1st Class Gym; Gym Squad (1935-36). Engineering. His commission came through on the day he was killed.

Researched and dedicated to the relatives of this crew with thanks to Sherborne School Archives,  Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Aircrew Remembered own Archives. Norman L.R. Franks 'Fighter Command Losses' Vol. 1-3, Winston G. Ramsey - 'Battle of Britain Then and Now'.