Lt. Col. Maurice Clinton Hilton-Barber, DFC, OBE (8 August 1912 – 11 August 1975) was a South African wing commander in the South African Air Force during World War II.

Biography

Hilton-Barber was born in Craddock,[1] the son of Harry Atherstone Hilton-Barber and Celia Andrews. Barber served during World War II in the Squadron 250 of the RAF on the Western front in 1942. He went on to command Squadron 450 / RAAF November 1942 until March 1943. Although it was considered to have achieved 5 wins, it seems that this total is only 3. He received a DFC in February 1943 and was transferred to the SAAF with the rank of lieutenant colonel. After the war, he became the Federal Director of Civil Aviation in Southern Rhodesia.[2]

His two brothers, Roger and Harry, were also fighter pilots. He had two sons, Miles and Geoff, who went blind from a genetic condition but became adventurers.[3]

Awards

Distinguished Flying Cross citation

Barber's official DFC citation says:

During operations in the Western Desert this officer displayed great skill and unflagging devotion to duty. As flight and squadron commander his steady judgment and high morale proved a tower of strength. In 1 flight during the battle of El Alamein, Squadron Leader Barber destroyed 3 Junkers 87's. His example has been worthy of high praise.[4]

References

  1. ↑ Shores, C; Williams C. Aces High: A Tribute to the Most Notable Fighter Pilots. Grub Street. p. 101. ISBN 1-898697-00-0.
  2. ↑ "Barber's biography". Ciel de Gloire. Ciel de Gloire. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  3. ↑ "Overcoming Your Circumstance | Miles Hilton-Barber". MeanderApparel. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  4. 1 2 "Barber's awards". TracesOfWar.com. TracesOfWar.com. 15 November 2015. Retrieved 15 November 2015.
  5. ↑ "No. 42688". The London Gazette (Supplement). 25 May 1962. p. 4358.
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