HAMILTON, Alexander Lewis
| Service Numbers: | Not yet discovered |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 13 March 1939, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Last Rank: | Wing Commander |
| Last Unit: | Unspecified British Units |
| Born: | Adelaide, South Australia, Australia, 17 December 1914 |
| Home Town: | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Sturt Primary / Adelaide Technical High School, Adelaide University |
| Occupation: | Adelaide Electric Light Co |
| Died: | Drowning - Boating Accident, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1 October 1977, aged 62 years |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 13 Mar 1939: | Enlisted Royal Air Force , Unspecified British Units, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Nov 1939: | Involvement Royal Air Force , Pilot Officer, Air War NW Europe 1939-45, Battle of Britain No. 248 Squadron RAF | |
| 26 Jun 1941: | Involvement Royal Air Force , Flying Officer, Aircrew Training Units, Empire Air Training Scheme, Posted to Rhodesia as a flying instructor | |
| 15 Jun 1944: | Involvement Royal Air Force , Flight Lieutenant, No. 464 Squadron (RAAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45 | |
| 5 Apr 1961: | Discharged Royal Air Force , Wing Commander , Unspecified British Units, Returned to Australia |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Steve Larkins
Alexander Lewis HAMILTON - Battle of Britain - (1914-1977)
Alexander Lewis Hamilton was one of 30 Australian pilots who flew in the Battle of Britain in WW2. Alexander was born on 17th December 1914 in Adelaide, Australia. He was educated at Sturt Primary and the Technical High School. Going on to study Commerce/Law at Adelaide University he became a member of the University Rifle Team and undertook flying lessons at the Adelaide Aero Club.
After graduating he was employed by the Adelaide Electric Company.
In August 1938 Hamilton applied for a short service commission in the RAF. He was accepted and left for England on 2nd February 1939. He began his initial training course on 13th March 1939.
With his flying training completed, he joined No. 248 Squadron at its reformation at Hendon on 16th November 1939. It was then a fighter squadron but in February 1940 was transferred to Coastal Command.
For a period in the Battle of Britain No. 248 Squadron was seconded back to Fighter Command for long-range fighter and reconnaissance duties.
On 26th June 1941 Hamilton left 248 to be an instructor and was posted to Rhodesia. He returned to England in mid-1944 and served with 464 Squadron at Thorney Island until 26th April 1945, the squadron operated from airfield B87, Rosieres-en-Santerre, SE of Amiens from early February 1945.
Hamilton stayed on in the RAF, in the Fighter Control Branch. He retired on 5th April 1961 as a Wing Commander and returned to Australia.
On 1st October 1977 he drowned in a boating accident whilst fishing off the coast of New South Wales.
Battle of Britain Monument - London
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