Bio / Text:
< =
expand >
Hugh Bowen-Morris was born in Dorset and brought up in Bath and then Coventry. He joined the RAFVR in June 1939 and began flying training at 9 E&RFTS Ansty. Bowen-Morris was called up on 1st September 1939, went to 3 ITW at Hastings and then to 3 FTS Hamble in November. He undertook further training at 14 FTS Kinloss and FTS Cranfield.
In August 1940 Bowen-Morris went to 7 OTU Hawarden and after converting to Spitfires he joined 66 Squadron, then 610 Squadron and finally went to 92 Squadron at Biggin Hill on 12th September.
He shared a Ju88 on the 27th and crashed on landing back at Biggin Hill, damaging Spitfire R6760.
He destroyed a Me109 on 12th May 1941 and another on 16th June.
Bowen-Morris was shot down during a convoy protection sortie off France on 23rd June 1941 in Spitfire V R6761.
A cannon shell exploded in the cockpit and rendered his right arm useless. He was able to carry out a force-landing before losing consciousness. He was taken to the Luftwaffe Hospital at St. Omer where his right arm was amputated.
Possibly shot down by Oblt Heinrich Gottlob 1./JG26 NW Calais
In an exchange of prisoners in October 1943 Bowen-Morris was repatriated by the Red Cross via Sweden.
He was discharged from the RAF on 9th June 1944 as a Warrant Officer.
Bowen-Morris returned to his pre-war position as an accountant, subsequently serving as a director of John Brown Shipbuilders.
In retirement in Gloucestershire he suffered from heart disease which culminated in his death on 9th February 1991.
Ref
Battle of Britain London Monument
