17 Facts About Hugh Dundas

Hugh Dundas was promoted to squadron leader and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross at the age of 21, advanced to wing commander at 22 and, at 23, was awarded the Distinguished Service Order and became one of the youngest group captains in the RAF.

Hugh Dundas was the grandson of the Scottish Liberal politician John Dundas and a great-great-grandson of Lawrence Dundas, 1st Earl of Zetland.

Hugh Dundas was called up early in the Second World War, serving with No 616 Squadron flying Spitfires.

Hugh Dundas was shot down on 22 August 1940 and wounded during the Battle of Britain, but returned to his squadron in September.

Hugh Dundas has destroyed at least three enemy aircraft and damaged others.

In September 1941, Hugh Dundas was posted as an instructor to No 59 Operational Training Unit, but his scruffiness and unruly pet dog did not endear him to the commanding officer, Group Captain Stanley Vincent, and he was transferred promptly as a flight commander with No 610 Squadron.

Hugh Dundas was mentioned in despatches on 1 January 1943, and was promoted to squadron leader on 11 February.

Hugh Dundas was awarded his first Distinguished Service Order on 3 March 1944.

Hugh Dundas led No 244 Wing from June 1944, and was promoted to wing commander on 11 May 1945.

On 1 September 1945, Hugh Dundas was granted a permanent commission in the RAF, in the rank of flight lieutenant.

Hugh Dundas was promoted to the temporary rank of squadron leader on 3 December 1946.

Hugh Dundas continued to serve in the reconstituted AuxAF following his retirement from active service.

Hugh Dundas was commissioned as a flying officer in the AuxAF on 8 August 1947.

Hugh Dundas was the air correspondent for the Daily Express newspaper.

Hugh Dundas joined Rediffusion Limited in 1961, becoming a director in 1966, and served as Chairman of Thames Television until 1987.

Hugh Dundas was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant on 7 October 1968.

Hugh Dundas served as High Sheriff of Surrey for 1989.