Son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas James Hughes and Eve Lydia (Green) of Kent Bridge. Brother of John T. R168423, Kate CAWC, Maxine W1890 CAWC, Raymond Woods R99971 (KIA 10/09/42).  The family home is at Route Number 1, Northwood, Kent Co., ON.   

Enlisting in the RCAF in July of 1941, at Windsor, ON., after he had received his Senior Matriculation for CCI in Chatham.  He trained at Belleville, ON., Alymer, Chatham, NB., and Summerside and Chalottetown, PEI. In July of 1942 Sgt.-Pilot Hughes stationed at Summerside PEI was on a furlough with his parents. CDN 23/07/42

He took a course in navigation at Charlottetown, PEI. Pilot-Officer James R. Hughes received his Wings at Summerside, PEI. his brother Raymond a WAG was reported missing some time ago. Another brother John was training as an Armourer at RCAF Mountain View. CDN 7/12/42   John is also reported overseas. James went overseas in October of 1942. Not to be left out, his sister L/Cpl. Maxine was stationed in Detroit Michigan at the time she was representing the Canadian Army there, 

Roland was reported on a two weeks furlough from RCAF-PEI to visit his parents. CDN (date unknown) He left Kent Bridge for Halifax. CDN 15/10/42.

Flt. Lieut. Hughes was decorated by King George for “gallantry and outstanding leadership” in the line of duty. It was reported that he arrived home a week before Christmas 1944 and the community of Kent Bridge held a public reception at the community Hall for he and his two sisters. CDN16/01/45(P)

The proud parents received a letter from the Hon. C. G. Power announcing the decoration to Flying Officer Hughes as follows:

Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Hughes,

R.R.1 Northwood, Ont.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hughes.

I am writing to say how much all ranks of the Royal Canadian Air Force join me in warmly congratulating you and members of your family on the honour and distinction which have come to your son Flying Officer James Roland Hughes D.F.C. through the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for great gallantry in the performance of his duty while serving with No. 254 Squadron of the Royal Air Force.

The citation on which this award was made reads as follows:

“ This officer has participated in very many sorties including several attacks on shipping. In March 944 he took part in a sortie during which a merchantman was attacked with good results. The next day he led a flight in another attack on shipping. By his great skill and superb leadership, Flying Officer Hughes played a good part in the success achieved. This officer has invariably a high degree of courage and determination”.

The personnel of the Force are proud of your son’s fine Service record.

Yours sincerely.

Charles G. Power,

Minister of  National Defence for air.

It was reported that he arrived home a week before Christmas 1944 and the community of Kent Bridge held a public reception at the community Hall for he and his two sisters. CDN16/01/45(P). Flt-Lt. Hughes refused to talk about his experiences, except to say that, “it was good to be home”. When asked about his investiture, Flt-Lt. Hughes answer was “Well I’ve seen the King before.” CDN 16/01/45 (P). Later in the evening after ‘cards’ he was presented with a signet ring and a pen and pencil set. His sister Kate received a pencil and some money.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Sources

CDN (16-01-1945), CDN (17-01-1945(P)), KCFA, BFL-B,  CDN (10/04/44 [DFC] (P))

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