William Henry Hubbard

Captain William Henry Hubbard DFC (19 May 1886—19 June 1960) was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories against enemy fighter planes despite spending a year and a half out of action. He was noted for his zeal in ground support missions, as well as his success against enemy fighters.

Military service Hubbard had moved to Toronto in 1915 when he volunteered for military service. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Special Reserve on 1 January 1916. On 9 May 1916, he received Royal Aero Club pilot's certificate no. 2871. On 8 September, while flying a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2c for No. 5 Squadron RFC, he destroyed a Fokker Eindekker over Saint-Julien. On the day after Christmas, he was severely wounded by Erwin Boehme. Upon recovery, he was posted to Home Establishment as an instructor. He remained there until he was promoted Captain and appointed Flight Commander in No. 73 Squadron RAF, flying a Sopwith Camel. Beginning 11 April 1918, he began to score a steady trickle of wins that took to a total of a dozen on 8 October. It was during this time that he earned both the DFC and a Bar in lieu of a second award; they were awarded more for his ground support missions than aerial success. At any rate, he ended the war with a tally of four German fighter planes destroyed, one set afire in midair, one captured, and six driven down out of control.

Military honors Distinguished Flying Cross

Capt. William Henry Hubbard,

During recent operations, he has flown at low altitudes to release bombs and to conduct machine-gun fire on troops and transport. He has also engaged enemy aircraft, resulting in some being forced out of control on several occasions.

Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross

Capt. William Henry Hubbard, D.F.C. (FRANCE.)

"This officer has shown great bravery and devotion to duty both in destroying enemy aircraft—ten of which he has accounted for —and in silencing anti-Tank guns. On 27 September, flying at altitudes between 200 and 1,500 feet, he engaged and silenced many anti-Tank guns, thereby rendering valuable service. He at the same time completed a detailed and accurate reconnaissance of the area, locating the position of our troops."

Aerial victories

No.Date/timeFoeResultLocationNotes 1 8 September 1916 Fokker Eindekker Destroyed Saint Julien Observer was Lt. H. B. Rickards 2 11 April 1918 @ 1910 hours Albatros D.V Driven down out of control 5 miles southeast of Villers-Brettoneaux 3 21 May 1918 @ 1830 hours Albatros D.V Destroyed Armentieres 4 6 June 1918 @ 1710 hours Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Champien 5 9 June 1918 @ 1410 hours Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Conchy 6 10 June 1918 @ 0705 hours Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Southwest of Rollot 7 11 June 1918 @ 1600 hours Fokker D.VII Destroyed 3 miles northeast of Rollot 8 8 July 1918 @ 0720 hours Fokker D.VII Set afire and destroyed Seclin 9 29 August 1918 @ 1030 hours Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Northeast of Monchy 10 29 August 1918 @ 1040 hours Fokker D.VII Captured East of Hendecourt 11 15 September 1918 @ 1810 hours Fokker D.VII Destroyed Gouy sous Bellone 12 8 October 1918 @ 0815 hours Fokker D.VII Driven down out of control Maretz

Endnotes