Frederick Hards

Frederick George Darby Hards (17 April 1889 – 10 July 1963) was a Royal Air Force officer who served as Air Officer Commanding British Forces Aden from 1941 until his retirement in 1943.

Military career Hards joined the Royal Fusiliers in 1914 and then served in the First World War as a pilot with the Royal Naval Air Service. He received his aviator's certificate in 1915. After the war he became Officer Commanding No. 230 Squadron and then, after various staff positions, he was appointed Officer Commanding RAF Malta in 1930. 1 October 1917 – Flight Commander Fred George Darby Hards, RNAS was mentioned in despatches for services on patrol duties and submarine searching in home waters. 3 June 1918 – Lieutenant (temporary Captain) Frederick George Darby Hards, DSC was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for distinguished service. 11 July 1940 – Air Commodore (now Acting Air Vice-Marshal) Frederick George Darby Hards, DSC, DFC, Royal Air Force is appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for distinguished services rendered during recent operations.