Hillary, Richard, 1919-1943

Richard Hillary was a British fighter pilot in World War II. He was born in Australia, and educated at Oxford. He joined the Royal Air Force and flew notably in the Battle of Britain. His Supermarine Spitfire was shot down above the English Channel in Sept. 1940; badly burned, he recovered slowly, and spent time in the United States lecturing for the Ministry of Information. He wrote about his experiences and dawning self-awareness in his book, The Last Enemy. Returning to duty, he was killed when his plane crashed in 1943.

From the description of Richard Hillary letters and papers, 1939-1944. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 55998277

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