Paterson Clarence Hughes

Paterson Clarence Hughes was an Australian fighter ace of World War II who served with the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was credited with as many as seventeen aerial victories during the Battle of Britain, making him the highest-scoring Australian of that historic engagement and one of the three highest-scoring Australians of the entire war.

Born in Australia, Hughes joined the Royal Air Force prior to the outbreak of the war. During the Battle of Britain, he flew Spitfires with No. 234 Squadron, establishing himself as a highly skilled and aggressive pilot. His tactical innovation and leadership in the air contributed significantly to his squadron's successes against the Luftwaffe.

Flight Lieutenant Hughes was killed in action on September 7, 1940, when his Spitfire crashed during a combat engagement. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of his exceptional bravery and success as a fighter pilot.