REDVERS PERCIVAL HAWKINGS
‘Red’ Hawkings was the oldest of five brothers – all except the youngest serving in the Second World War. He went to Bristol grammar school and went on to work at Will’s tobacco factory as an accountant. His Nephew told me that his mother never really got over the loss. Redvers had a fiance, and it was very touching to learn that as per her wishes, she was recently interned at Filton Cemetery with him.
Hawkings joined the RAFVR about June 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He was called to full-time service on September 1, completed his formal training and was with 601 Squadron at Tangmere in June 1940. On July 7 Hawkings shared in destroying a Do 17. He was shot down over the Sussex coast on August 18, 1940 and killed. His Hurricane, L 1990, crashed off Summer Lane, Nyetimber, Pagham. Hawkings was 22 years old and is buried in St. Peter’s churchyard, Filton, Gloucester.
Many thanks to relatives of ‘Red’ Hawkings for getting in touch and providing further information, and a great photograph of him in flying kit.
Redvers Percival Hawkings
This tunic was found on a web forum and listed as belonging to Redvers – but in my opinion the photograph is not him, so unsure at this time. If the tunic owner ever sees this, please make contact as the family would be keen to know if this is his tunic.