Roy William Hook RIP

Kyt · Sep 11, 2008

http://www.devon24.co.uk/exmouthjou...y=newsexj&itemid=DEED04 Sep 2008 15:05:24:347

D-DAY veteran and former Spitfire pilot Roy William Hook died on August 18 at the age of 88. Arguably, he lived through some of the most momentous events of the 20th century.

Roy, a staunch supporter of the local branch of the Aircrew Association, started service in the Army having enlisted in the TA pre-war.

Seeking more action he transferred from a searchlight battery in Norfolk to the RAF and, after training in the United States, returned to the UK in 1942 where he flew the Lysander before flying the famed Spitfire.

In December 1942 he flew Spits with 167 Squadron based in Ludham, Norfolk and then deployments from the Orkney Isles to Perranporth in Cornwall followed, either on convoy protection or escorting US Flying Fortresses on daylight raids on the occupied ports of France.

In April 1943 Roy left Cornwall and became part of No. 83 Group, 2nd Tactical Air Force. During the next 16 months who flew from many different locations including airstrips in France and Germany captured after the Normandy landing. He later also flew the Hurricane.

On one of his most dangerous moments Roy recalled: "There were six of us flying Spits. We were led by Pierre Clostermsn who went on to become one of the RAF's top aces. We were bounced by some 40 enemy fighters, a mix of FW190s and ME109s coming out of the sun. We managed to shoot down two ME109s and we all lived to tell the tale."

After the war Roy spent many years in Rhodesia and, on his return, lived in Exmouth for more than 25 years. A widower, he was a resident of Fernicroft Care Home in Douglas Avenue and his funeral was at Exeter Crematorium on Friday.
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Roy William Hook RIP

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