Hubert Hastings "Paddy" Adair
Name, Hubert Hastings Adair
Age, 23
Rank,Sergeant
Nationality, UK
Aircraft, Hurricane
Crash Date, 6 November 1940
Memorial Site, Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth
Age, 23
Rank,Sergeant
Nationality, UK
Aircraft, Hurricane
Crash Date, 6 November 1940
Memorial Site, Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth
RAF Hurricane
Adair joined the Royal Air Force in 1936. After completing his training he joined No. 88 Squadron RAF and flew the Fairey Battle aircraft during the Battle of France. Adair volunteered for Fighter Command. He converted to Hawker Hurricanes in August 1940 and joined No. 151 Squadron RAF at RAF Digby on 4 September 1940 and then was posted to No. 213 Squadron RAF at RAF Tangmere on 16 September 1940.
On 6 November 1940 Adair was killed in action over Southampton flying Hurricane AK-D (V7602). It is believed that he was shot down by Major Helmut Wick of JG 2 who is also believed to have shot down F/O James Tillet on the same date, 3.5 miles to the west, Adair was posted as "missing in action" and was presumed to have come down in the English Channel.
Later research found that Adair's Hurricane, V7602, crashed at Pigeon House Farm, Widley, Hampshire. When it was excavated on 6 October 1979, the pilot's remains were found and later sent to Portchester Crematorium for disposal.
On 6 October 1979 an excavation by the Wealden Aviation Archaeological Group was begun in an attempt to recover what was left. Fortunately for them some of the original witnesses were still alive and location was rapid. Much of the more solid parts of the mangled aircraft were found including both groups of Browning .303 machine guns, which were resting vertically in the chalk. They came across the Merlin engine crankshaft and the propeller boss 9 feet down. The remains of the pilot were also recovered. The excavation team could not officially identify the pilot but they did manage to reveal the armament numbers on the Browning gun butts. The authorities then ordered the weapons to be broken up.
On 22 November 1979 the Portsmouth Coroner's Office stated that an inquest would not be held, and that the Coroner had ordered the disposal of the remains, which was carried out at Portchester Crematorium on 29 October 1979.
Because of this outcome Sergeant HH Adair still remains officially missing and never received the ceremonial burial that he certainly deserved.
There is a memorial plaque, situated on top of Portsdown Hill in Hampshire close to the believed site of Adair's crash.
On 6 November 1940 Adair was killed in action over Southampton flying Hurricane AK-D (V7602). It is believed that he was shot down by Major Helmut Wick of JG 2 who is also believed to have shot down F/O James Tillet on the same date, 3.5 miles to the west, Adair was posted as "missing in action" and was presumed to have come down in the English Channel.
Later research found that Adair's Hurricane, V7602, crashed at Pigeon House Farm, Widley, Hampshire. When it was excavated on 6 October 1979, the pilot's remains were found and later sent to Portchester Crematorium for disposal.
On 6 October 1979 an excavation by the Wealden Aviation Archaeological Group was begun in an attempt to recover what was left. Fortunately for them some of the original witnesses were still alive and location was rapid. Much of the more solid parts of the mangled aircraft were found including both groups of Browning .303 machine guns, which were resting vertically in the chalk. They came across the Merlin engine crankshaft and the propeller boss 9 feet down. The remains of the pilot were also recovered. The excavation team could not officially identify the pilot but they did manage to reveal the armament numbers on the Browning gun butts. The authorities then ordered the weapons to be broken up.
On 22 November 1979 the Portsmouth Coroner's Office stated that an inquest would not be held, and that the Coroner had ordered the disposal of the remains, which was carried out at Portchester Crematorium on 29 October 1979.
Because of this outcome Sergeant HH Adair still remains officially missing and never received the ceremonial burial that he certainly deserved.
There is a memorial plaque, situated on top of Portsdown Hill in Hampshire close to the believed site of Adair's crash.
Memorial on Portsdown Hill opposite the viewpoint car park
In March 2022 Portsmouth City Council placed an information board at the site and a lovely man called Ali Ahmad volunteered without hesitation and for free to maintain the site going forward, his details can be found below.
Al's Gardening Service
Unfortunately in 2023 Al had to give up this task as work other work commitments took over, needs must, I wish him all the best for the future.
Al's Gardening Service
Unfortunately in 2023 Al had to give up this task as work other work commitments took over, needs must, I wish him all the best for the future.
So from 2023 I have for now decided to take over the gardening maintenance of the site. (until I can find another willing volunteer)
