Basil Deacon Hobbs, DSO, OBE, DSC (20 December 1894 – 28 November 1965) was a British and Canadian aviator. He is the second most highly decorated pilot in Canada.[1]
Basil Deacon Hobbs | |
|---|---|
 Photographed in 1920. | |
| Born | 20 December 1894 Arlington, Berkshire, England |
| Died | 28 November 1965 Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Occupation | Aviator |
Early years
Hobbs moved to Canada with his family at age in 1900 at age 15.[2] 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 (1917), the Distinguished Service Order, and a Bar to the Distinguished Service Cross that same year.[1] While flying a Curtiss H-12 Large America flying boat, he was one of the few Canadian pilots to score a victory over a German Zeppelin L.43.[3]
Interwar flying
In 1919, Hobbs was among six pilots hired by Hubert Scott-Paine to fly commercial flights for his company Supermarine.[4] In 1920, Hobbs 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, Hobbs was recommissioned as a group captain in the RCAF. Stationed in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, he was employed in anti-submarine operations and training.[1]
Death
Hobbs died on 28 November 1965 in Montreal.[5]