Bio / Text:
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Peter Hanks was educated at Worksop College, Nottinghamshire.
He was 22 years old when he was sent to France with No. 1 Squadron and claimed six victories in the first five days of May before he was shot down in flames and baled out of his Hurricane. He returned to England and was posted to no. 5 OTU at Anston Down as an instructor. In December 1940 he continued operational flying, this time with No. 257 Squadron. He was then posted to lead No. 56 Squadron. After postings there, Duxford and Coltisall, he was sent to Malta in August 1942 as Wing Leader where he claimed more victories. Postings in Italy and thereafter the UK followed as the war ended in which he had been credited with 13 enemy airceraft destroyed.
He remained in the RAF and commanded Coltisall and Station Commander at RAF Patrington, a Master Radar Station in the 1950's and 1960's. He retired in June 1964. At one point Peter Hanks moved to South Africa where he died.
Post WW2-decorations:
January 1st, 1953: Air Force Cross
Promotions:
October 7th, 1935: Acting Pilot Officer on probation;
October 7th, 1936: Pilot Officer;
May 7th, 1938: Flying Officer;
May 7th, 1940: Flight Lieutenant;
September 1st, 1941: temporary Squadron Leader;
March 20th, 1942: Squadron Leader (war subs.);
July 1st, 1943: temporary Wing Commander;
August 17th, 1944- 1 november 1947: Wing Commander (war sub);
?: temporary Group Captain;
July 1st, 1957: Group Captain.
