102 (Ceylon) Squadron
Tentate et perficite (Attempt and Achieve)
Francis Alfred Philip Hoskins DFC
Franks family contacted us at the beginning of september 2011 with the sad news that he had passed away at the age of 93!
Frank stayed with prety much the same crew for over 20 operations!
According to Chris Goss's book on page 106, they were one of the most successful crews of 102 squadron. Great Photo on the page. Regardless as to wether they were the most successful crew, they were in the webmasters view one of the most decorated. We haven't yet found J.J. Hanrahan's citation, but we are looking, which makes 6 out of 7 of them with DFC's!!
Frank Hoskins flew with more than one Squadron, and we are fairly sure that the pictures you see of him with crew are NOT with S/L Millson. We are reliably informed that Frank flew no less than NINTY EIGHT (98) Op's all told!!!!
Click the photo's to make them go bigger!!!!
Sqn Ldr Albert Edward (Ted) Millson - Pilot - DFC (27/12/43 )
P/O Thomas Topham - Nav - DFC (27/12/43 )
F/O Frank A.P. Hoskins - WOp - DFC (27/12/43 )
Sgt. T.W. Doherty - F/E
F/O J.J. Hanrahan - BA - DFC (14/09/44)
P/O Hylton Lewis Mackay - AG - DFC (27/12/43 )
F/L Ian John Hartley - AG - DFC (27/12/43 )
Some times the bomb aimer was J Ashbrook, he was awarded a DFC 11/02/44
The following are London Gazette exerts explaining why these men received their awards:
Bar to Distinguished Flying Cross.
Acting Squadron Leader Albert Edward MILLSON.
D.F.C. (63420), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve,
No. 102 Squadron.
Since being awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross, Squadron Leader Millson has participated
in very many sorties, involving attacks on a
variety of targets. He has displayed great keenness throughput and his successes are an excellent
tribute to his skill and resolution.
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flying Officer Francis Alfred Philip HOSKINS (128542), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 102 Squadron.
As wireless operator, Flying Officer Hoskins has
participated in a very large number of attacks on important enemy targets. He is a model of
efficiency and his efforts have contributed
materially to the successes obtained. By his unswerving devotion to duty and outstanding keenness he has set an example of a high order.
Flying Officer Thomas TOPHAM (145307), Royal Air
Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 102 Squadron.
This officer has taken part in a very large
number of sorties, involving attacks on a wide
range of targets in the Middle East and, more
recently, in Germany. His navigational abili'ty
has always been evident and has played a good
part in the success achieved. He has displayed
.great zeal for operations, setting an example
worthy of emulation.
Pilot Officer Hylton Lewis MACKAY (149104), Royal
Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 102 Squadron.
As air gunner, this officer has taken part in
•a very large number of sorties and has displayed
great keenness and devotion to duty throughout.
He is a most efficient member of aircraft crew,
whose services have been of great value.
Flight Lieutenant Ian John HARTLEY (111978),
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 102
.Squadron.
As rear gunner, Flight Lieutenant Hartley has
taken part in a very large number of sorties,
involving attacks on important harbours, industrial
centres and other targets in Germany and
German occupied territory. He has displayed outstanding
skill and keenness and his fine record is
worthy of great praise.
Below is a list of missons that Frank went on. When we get some free time we are going to add the exact crew to each mission.
16/09/43 Modane
22/09/43 Hannover
23/09/43 Mannheim
25/09/43 Bochum
22/10/43 Kassel
3/11/43 Dusseldorf (aircraft hit be flak and fuselage caught fire which was extinguished by crew - we suspect that this may be linked to his DFC)
18/11/43 Ludwigshafen
22/11/43 Berlin
25/11/43 Frankfurt
06/01/44 Gardening
20/01/44 Berlin
02-03/02/44 Gardening
03-04/02/44 Gardening
11-12/02/44 Gardening
19-20/02/44 Leipzig
02/03/44 Meulan
06/03/44 Trappes
07/03/44 Le Mans
22/3/44 Gardening
26/3/44 Contrai
We still don't know which Squadron this is, but it's not 102 as far as we know.
