Harry Hughes, DFC, DFM, AE
 

Members will learn with deep regret of Harry Hughes on 25 July 2023, just short of his 101th birthday.
 

He was first elected a Baltic member in 1949.  From 1974 he represented Ocean McGregor until becoming a Retired Member in 1982.
 

He was also a very well-known and respected figure in the RAF having served with distinction during WWII as a Navigator in Bomber Command, surviving some 76 missions, 50 of which were as a member of the Pathfinders.  The awful attrition rate for Bomber Command crew at that time made his survival extraordinary particularly as he was in 102 squadron which sustained the second largest loss rate of the RAF during WWII.  He is featured in a book published in 2007 entitled "Five of the Many" with each relating their experiences.  He was awarded both the DFC and DFM for that period and then the AE for his service in the East following his posting there after the end of the war in Europe.  During that time in addition to normal duties, he was apparently known to have been ferrying VIP’s (such as Mountbatten and the future Prime Minister of India) around that theatre.
 

It is believed he was the last surviving member of the RAF holding both the DFC and DFM awards.
 

His funeral was held in September but if interested there is a You Tube of his funeral available.