🇦🇺WWII uncovered: Sir Hughie Edwards: the Most Decorated Australian of World War II

 🇦🇺WWII uncovered: Sir Hughie Edwards: the Most Decorated Australian of World War II


Hughie Edwards, of Fremantle, Western Australia, joined the RAAF in 1935 before transfer to the RAF. He was appointed to command No. 105 Squadron in 1941.

According to the Australian War Memorial: "On July 4, 1941 Edwards led 12 twin-engine bombers in a low-level attack on the heavily defended port of Bremen Germany. 

The aircraft had to fly under high-tension wires, through a balloon barrage, and into intense fire. All his bombers were hit and four were shot down.

"In 1943 Edwards became Commanding Officer of the bomber base at Binbrook, Lincolnshire, where No. 460 Squadron, RAAF, was based.

"Edwards, the most highly decorated Australian of the war, was awarded the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order, the Order of the British Empire, the Distinguished Flying Cross and Coronation and Silver Jubilee Medals for Queen Elizabeth II. 

His honours include the Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George, the Companion of the Order of the Bath and the Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem.

 His final appointment with the RAF was as Director of Establishments at the Air Ministry, London, from January 1962 until his retirement on September 30, 1963"

(Source: Australian War Memorial)

⭐Sir Hughie Edwards' Victoria Cross Citation reads as follows:

Acting Wing Commander Hughie Idwal Edwards, D.F.C. (39005), No 105. Squadron.

"Wing Commander Hughie Idwal Edwards DFC, although handicapped by physical disability resulting from a flying accident, has repeatedly displayed gallantry of the highest order in pressing home bombing attacks from very low heights against strongly defended objectives. 

On 4 July 1941 he led an important attack on the port of Bremen one of the most heavily defended towns in Germany.

 This attack had to be made in daylight and there were no clouds to afford concealment.

 During the approach to the German coast, several ships were sighted and Wing Commander Edwards knew that his aircraft would be reported and that the defences would be in a state of readiness.

"Undaunted by his misfortune, he brought his formation fifty miles overland to the target, flying a height of little more than fifty feet, passing under high tension cables, carrying away telegraph wires and finally passing through a formidable balloon barrage.

 On reaching Bremen he was met by a blast of fire, all his aircraft being hit and four of them being destroyed.

 Nevertheless, he made a most successful attack, and then with the greatest skill and coolness withdrew the remaining aircraft without further loss.

 Throughout the execution of this operation, which he planned personally with full knowledge of the risks entailed, Wing Commander Edwards displayed the highest possible standard of gallantry and determination." (London Gazette July 22, 1941).

In 1974 Edwards served as Governor of Western Australia.

 On August 5, 1982 Hughie Idwal Edwards passed away at the age of 68. He lies in rest at Karrakatta Cemetery in Western Australia. Lest We Forget.

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