Richard Hillary, Australian pilot and author (b. 1919)

Flight Lieutenant Richard Hope Hillary (20 April 1919 – 8 January 1943) stands as a poignant figure in the annals of the Second World War. An Anglo-Australian Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot, Hillary's brief but impactful life transcended the battlefield, leaving behind a profound literary legacy.

Born in Sydney, Australia, Hillary moved to England at a young age, later attending Trinity College, Oxford University. His academic pursuits were cut short by the looming threat of war, leading him to join the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) in 1939. His background as a young, intellectual Oxford man who embraced the dangerous life of a fighter pilot offers a unique perspective on the wartime generation.

Service in the Battle of Britain and Life-Altering Injuries

As the Battle of Britain raged in the summer and autumn of 1940, Flight Lieutenant Richard Hillary was at the forefront, flying Supermarine Spitfire fighters with No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron, part of Fighter Command. This pivotal aerial campaign, fought predominantly over the skies of southern England, was a desperate struggle for air superiority against the German Luftwaffe, with Britain's survival hanging in the balance. Hillary, like many young pilots of his generation, exhibited extraordinary courage and skill amidst the intense dogfights.

On 3 September 1940, Hillary's Spitfire was shot down over the North Sea following an engagement with German Messerschmitt Bf 109s. He was severely burned in the ensuing fire and crash, suffering extensive injuries to his face and hands. Rescued from the sea by a life raft, his survival was miraculous, but his wounds were disfiguring and debilitating.

The Road to Recovery and the Birth of a Literary Masterpiece

Hillary's recovery was long and arduous, marked by numerous pioneering reconstructive surgeries performed by the renowned plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead. McIndoe's innovative techniques transformed the lives of severely burned airmen, and Hillary became one of the most famous members of what became known as the "Guinea Pig Club," a fellowship of patients who underwent these experimental procedures. During his convalescence, grappling with the physical and psychological trauma of his injuries, Hillary began to document his experiences, driven by a powerful urge to articulate the realities of aerial combat and the profound shifts in his own perspective.

This period of reflection and intense self-examination culminated in his critically acclaimed memoir, "The Last Enemy" (published as "Falling Through Space" in the United States). The book is not merely a chronological account of his wartime service; it is a deeply introspective exploration of themes such as the idealism of youth, the brutalizing nature of war, the profound bonds of camaraderie among pilots, the spiritual impact of survival, and the challenging journey of physical and emotional recovery. Hillary's prose is remarkable for its honesty, philosophical depth, and evocative descriptions of aerial combat, offering a unique first-hand insight into the mindset of a fighter pilot during one of history's most defining conflicts.

A Tragic End and Enduring Legacy

Despite his severe injuries and the psychological scars of war, Richard Hillary was determined to return to flying duties. He eventually retrained as an operational flying instructor, a testament to his unwavering spirit. Tragically, on 8 January 1943, while on a night training flight in a Bristol Blenheim aircraft from RAF Charterhall, Scotland, Hillary and his navigator, Sergeant Wilfred Fison, crashed and were killed. The exact cause of the accident remains unknown, but it was a somber end to a life already touched by immense hardship and survival.

Richard Hillary's legacy endures primarily through "The Last Enemy," which remains a seminal work of war literature. It offers an unparalleled glimpse into the human experience of the Battle of Britain from the cockpit of a fighter plane, providing not just historical detail but a deeply personal narrative of courage, vulnerability, and the search for meaning amidst chaos. His ability to articulate such complex emotions and experiences, coupled with his remarkable journey, has cemented his place as a significant figure in both military history and literature.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flight Lieutenant Richard Hillary

Who was Flight Lieutenant Richard Hillary?
Richard Hope Hillary was an Anglo-Australian Royal Air Force (RAF) fighter pilot during the Second World War. He is widely remembered for his compelling memoir, "The Last Enemy," which detailed his experiences during the Battle of Britain and his recovery from severe injuries.
What is "The Last Enemy" about?
"The Last Enemy" is Richard Hillary's acclaimed autobiography and memoir, focusing on his experiences as a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain, the harrowing incident that led to his severe burns, and his extensive recovery process. The book delves into themes of youth, war, camaraderie, survival, and his personal struggle to come to terms with his injuries and the loss of his friends.
How did Richard Hillary sustain his injuries?
On 3 September 1940, during the Battle of Britain, Hillary's Spitfire was shot down over the North Sea after engaging German aircraft. He was rescued but suffered severe burns to his face and hands from the crash and fire.
Who was Sir Archibald McIndoe in relation to Hillary?
Sir Archibald McIndoe was a pioneering plastic surgeon who treated Richard Hillary's severe burns. Hillary was one of the many RAF airmen, known as "Guinea Pigs," whose lives were transformed by McIndoe's innovative reconstructive surgeries at the Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead.
How did Richard Hillary die?
Richard Hillary tragically died on 8 January 1943, at the age of 23, in a night training accident. He was flying a Bristol Blenheim aircraft as an instructor when it crashed near Charterhall, Scotland, killing both him and his navigator.