Raymond Brown Hesselyn, MBE, DFC, DFM & Bar (13 March 1921 – 14 November 1963) was a New Zealand fighter pilot and flying ace of the Second World War, credited with the destruction of 18.5 enemy aircraft while flying with the Royal New Zealand Air Force over Europe and the Mediterranean. Hesselyn's first 12 victories were claimed during the defence of Malta in 1942. He later collaborated in the writing of Spitfires over Malta, a book about his experiences on the island, before he was shot down and taken a prisoner of war in October 1943. Liberated in 1945, he transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1947 and attained the rank of squadron leader before his death in 1963, aged 42.
Born |
13 March 1921 Dunedin, New Zealand.
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Died |
14 November 1963 (aged 42)
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Zodiac | Pisces |
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