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Harry Broadhurst
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- See also Henry Broadhurst for the trade unionist and politician
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst, GCB, KBE, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar, AFC (28 October 1905 – 29 August 1995), commonly known as Broady, was a senior Royal Air Force commander and flying ace of the Second World War.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Harry Broadhurst was born on 28 October 1905 in Frimley, Surrey, England. He was educated at Portsmouth Grammar School and after completing his schooling commenced training as a surveyor. In 1925, he joined the British Army as a second lieutenant in the Royal Artillery and then, the following year, transferred to the Royal Air Force (RAF).[1][2]
Upon completion of his flight training, Broadhurst joined No. 11 Squadron in India in 1928,[3] flying the Westland Wapiti and Hawker Hart over the North West frontier. He returned to the United Kingdom in 1931, joining No. 41 Squadron flying the Bristol Bulldog.[3]
By the mid-1930s, Broadhurst was an accomplished pilot, flying fighters and doing acrobatics at air shows, gaining a reputation as an aerial daredevil with a flair for aerial acrobatics. In 1936, as a flight lieutenant, he was personally congratulated by the king on his aerobatic showing in the Gloster Gauntlet. Awarded the Air Force Cross in 1937,[3] he served at the RAF Staff College in Andover.[3] In January 1939 he was posted as Officer Commanding No. 111 Squadron.[1]
Second World War
[edit]In May 1940, Broadhurst was appointed Station Commander at RAF Coltishall,[3] before joining No. 60 Wing in France as wing commander.[3] He participated in ground support during the Battle of France, an experience that taught him the importance of close air support for later operations in the war. He was heavily involved in the Battle of Britain and as Officer Commanding RAF Wittering,[3] often flew with the squadrons under his command, both day and night fighter units.
In December 1940, he was posted to command the Hornchurch Sector of No. 11 Group Fighter Command, and continued to fly on operations, even as a group captain.
On 4 July 1941, leading No. 54 Squadron as Red 1, he was involved in a dogfight with Bf 109s, claiming two Bf 109Es destroyed at 15.30 over Béthune before he was hit and his aircraft badly damaged by a Bf 109.[3] He managed to return to base, belly landing his crippled Spitfire, with slight splinters in left arm and left thigh.[3] On 7 July 1941 his Spitfire Mk.Vb was severely damaged by a JG 26 pilot.[4] In the combat he was Red 1 and claimed 1-1-0 Bf 109F at 09.50 over Gravelines area. In May 1942 he became Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO), No. 11 Group, although he continued to fly operationally where possible. His final kill claims were made on 19 August 1942, bringing his total to 13 destroyed, seven probables and 10 damaged.[3]
In late 1942, he was posted to the Middle East and became Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) to Air Vice Marshal Arthur Coningham, commander of the Desert Air Force (DAF).[3] Broadhurst came into conflict with Coningham over the use and objectives of the Desert Air Force. Broadhurst took command of the DAF in January 1943,[3] becoming (at the age of 38) the youngest (until Air Commodore Don Bennett was so promoted on 6 December 1943 at the age of 33) air vice marshal in the Royal Air Force. He quickly perfected the way he perceived fighter aircraft ought to be employed as ground support fighter-bombers. His fighter squadrons were trained intensively to strafe and bomb German and Italian vehicles, tanks, transport and communication lines. This aerial cover of the 8th Army won the approval and appreciation of General Bernard Montgomery and would form the basis of the ground attack principles used during the D-Day landings and beyond.[5]
Broadhurst's enthusiastic backing of the Army and his frank opinions did not always go down well with his superiors in the RAF. He returned to the UK in 1944 to command No. 83 Group,[3] part of 2nd Tactical Air Force. In September 1945, he became Air Officer Administration at RAF Fighter Command.[3]
Postwar period
[edit]In August 1946, Broadhurst was made Air Officer Commanding No. 61 Group and in 1949, attended the Imperial Defence College.[3] After promotion to air vice marshal again in July 1949, he became Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations) in April 1952 and then Commander-in-Chief of Second Tactical Air Force in December 1953 in the rank of air marshal.[3]
Broadhurst was appointed Air Officer Commander-in-Chief Bomber Command in January 1956.[3] In 1956, at the peak of Broadhurst's career as Commander in Chief of RAF Bomber Command, his reputation suffered following a fatal accident to an Avro Vulcan. Broadhurst took aircraft XA897, the first Vulcan delivered to the RAF, and a full Vulcan crew, on a round-the-world tour.[6] On return to the UK, Broadhurst was to land at London Heathrow Airport, a civil airport, to complete the successful tour before the assembled aviation media.[7] However, the weather at Heathrow was poor and RAF aircraft were not equipped to use the Instrument Landing System installed at Heathrow and other civil airports so a Ground-controlled approach (GCA) was carried out. XA897 struck the ground about 2,000 feet short of the runway just as power was applied.[6] XA897 was damaged by the initial impact but rose back in the air.[6] The pilot, Squadron Leader D.R. "Podge" Howard, and Broadhurst, who was occupying the co-pilot seat, both ejected from the aircraft and survived.[6] The aircraft again hit the ground and broke up. The Vulcan had only two ejection seats, for the pilot and co-pilot. The other four occupants on XA897, including Howard's usual co-pilot, died in the accident.[6]
In his book The Hidden Truth Maurice Hamlin, a former member of the RAF on duty the day of the crash, claims that Broadhurst ignored three direct orders to divert away from Heathrow due to the poor weather conditions (noting other aircraft had already been diverted). Pilots, he goes on to say, cannot ignore these orders but Hamlin believes that Broadhurst continued to attempt to land due to the waiting press and dignitaries. He further claims a fifty-year D-Notice was placed on the incident (that has now expired).[8]
The AAIB inquiry concluded that the inherent lag in the system of issuing of instructions by the ground controller combined with the Vulcan's normal higher than usual rate-of-descent in comparison with the types of aircraft normally handled by Heathrow's controllers, allowed the aircraft to descend below a safe height before corrective instructions could be issued and complied-with. Subsequently, the Vulcan later became one of the first aircraft qualified for full autoland.
Broadhurst was promoted to Air Chief Marshal in February 1957,[3] and in 1959 he became Commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, until March 1961, when he retired from the RAF.[3]
Later life
[edit]After retiring, Broadhurst was appointed managing director of Avro Aircraft.[9] In 1965, he became managing director of Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd., and in 1968 a Director of the Hawker Siddeley Group Limited, retiring in 1976.[10] He died on 29 August 1995.[2]
References
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ a b Shores and Williams 1994, p. 150.
- ^ a b "The Airmen's Stories - W/Cdr. H Broadhurst". Battle of Britain Monument. Retrieved 25 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Air of Authority – A History of RAF Organisation – Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst
- ^ 'JG 26 War Diary Volume 1', Caldwell, (grub street)
- ^ 'Desert Air Force at War', Bowyer & Shores (Ian Allan 1981)
- ^ a b c d e Blackman 2007, p. 142.
- ^ Photo of the event
- ^ "Maurice's book has few equals". Retrieved 24 September 2015.
- ^ Blackman 2007. pp. 114 and 119.
- ^ Humphrey Wynn (23 September 2004). "Broadhurst, Sir Harry (1905–1995)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/60107. ISBN 978-0-19-861412-8. (Subscription, Wikipedia Library access or UK public library membership required.) (subscription required)
Bibliography
[edit]- The Times, Tuesday, 2 October 1956; pg. 8
- Blackman, Tony. Vulcan Test Pilot: My Experiences in the Cockpit of a Cold War Icon. London: Grub Street, 2007. ISBN 978-1-904943-88-4.
- Shores, Christopher & Clive Williams. Aces High. London: Grub Street, 1994. ISBN 978-1-898697-00-8. page 150-151; full biog.
External links
[edit]
Harry Broadhurst
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and family background
Harry Broadhurst was born on 28 October 1905 in Frimley, Surrey, England. [2] [3] His father was a retired Army officer. [3] No further details about his mother, siblings, or extended family background are documented in available sources.Education and early aviation interest
Broadhurst attended Portsmouth Grammar School from 1915, where he completed his formal education. [3] [2] After leaving school, he became an articled pupil to a surveyor, beginning a career in that field. [3] [2] From a young age, he developed a strong interest in aviation, growing up with a single-minded ambition to become a fighter pilot. [4] [1] This early passion for flying persisted despite his father's opposition to an immediate entry into the RAF in 1925, setting the stage for his eventual military aviation career. [3]RAF career before the Second World War
Commissioning and initial training
Harry Broadhurst, having been prevented by his father—a retired Army officer—from joining the RAF initially, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Hampshire Heavy Brigade, Royal Artillery (Territorial Army) on 21 May 1925. [3] On 1 October 1926, he was seconded to the Royal Air Force as a pilot under training and posted to No. 11 Squadron at Netheravon, where he flew the Handley Page Horsley biplane. [3] He qualified as a pilot with the squadron on 8 August 1927. [3] On 1 February 1928, Broadhurst resigned his Territorial Army commission upon appointment to a Short Service Commission in the RAF, with the rank of Pilot Officer dated from 1 October 1926. [3] His rank was confirmed on 1 October 1927, and he was promoted to Flying Officer on 1 April 1928. [3] During 1928, he attended specialist courses, including a Short Signals Course and Electrical Wiring Course at the Electrical and Wireless School between January and May, followed by a short course in the care and maintenance of parachutes at the Home Aircraft Depot from 20 August to 1 September. [3] On 29 May 1928, Broadhurst was appointed Pilot and Signals Officer with No. 11 Squadron, continuing his early commissioned service with the unit. [3] Later that year, on 29 December 1928, No. 11 Squadron deployed to India, where Broadhurst served on the North West Frontier. [3]Pre-war postings and promotions
After completing his initial pilot training and service with No. 11 Squadron at Netheravon, Broadhurst accompanied the unit when it relocated to India in December 1928.[3] He participated in operations on the North-West Frontier while serving as Pilot/Signals Officer, earning a Mention in Despatches in June 1931 for his contributions during this period.[3] In September 1931, Broadhurst transferred to No. 41 Squadron at Northolt, where he flew Bristol Bulldogs following a single-seat fighter conversion course.[3] He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant on 1 June 1932.[3] In November 1933, he was appointed Flight Commander of No. 19 Squadron at Duxford, which operated Bristol Bulldogs and later Gloster Gauntlets.[3] Broadhurst undertook a brief posting to the Middle East in 1934, serving as Officer Commanding the Target Towing Flight at RAF Ismailia before returning to No. 19 Squadron in January 1935.[3] In November 1936, he became Chief Ground Instructor at No. 4 Flying Training School in Abu Sueir, Egypt.[3] He received the Air Force Cross in February 1937 and was promoted to Squadron Leader on 1 June 1937.[3] Later in 1937, he joined the Personnel Staff at Headquarters No. 2 Group.[3] In January 1938, Broadhurst attended the RAF Staff College at Andover.[3] Following staff appointments and leave, he was designated Officer Commanding No. 111 Squadron in December 1938 and assumed command of the unit at Northolt in January 1939, where it was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes.[3][2]Second World War service
Early war fighter operations (1940–1941)
In May 1940, as the Battle of France unfolded, Broadhurst volunteered for operational duty and took command of No. 60 (Fighter) Wing after briefly leading another unit in the campaign. He participated in ground support missions and achieved a confirmed aerial victory by destroying a Messerschmitt Bf 110 near Arras on 20 May 1940. Following the Allied evacuation, he was appointed station commander at RAF Wittering on 29 May 1940, where he flew occasional sorties with No. 1 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, qualifying him for the Battle of Britain Clasp.[3][2] On 23 December 1940, Broadhurst assumed command of RAF Hornchurch, a major sector station in No. 11 Group, Fighter Command, and remained actively involved in fighter operations, frequently leading wing-strength sweeps over northern France and the Channel throughout 1941. He claimed multiple victories against German fighters, primarily Messerschmitt Bf 109s, with his engagements contributing significantly to his reputation as a fighter pilot despite his senior command responsibilities.[3][2] Notable actions included a heavy engagement over Bethune in June 1941, where his aircraft suffered severe damage from cannon fire—including a large hole in the wing, disabled guns, and wounds to himself—yet he flew it back to base successfully. On 4 July 1941, while leading No. 54 Squadron, he destroyed two Bf 109s but was hit by cannon fire and flak, recovering from a spin at low altitude to belly-land safely despite wounds and aircraft damage. These operations formed part of his overall record as a flying ace, with his 1941 claims including twelve Bf 109s destroyed and four probably destroyed.[1][2][3] Broadhurst's gallantry and leadership during this period earned him the Distinguished Service Order, gazetted on 4 July 1941, for sustained combat efforts including at least four personal victories and command achievements, followed by a Bar to the DSO on 19 December 1941. He also received a Mention in Despatches on 17 March 1941.[2][1][3]North African and Mediterranean campaigns (1942–1943)
In October 1942, Broadhurst was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer to the Air Officer Commanding the Western Desert Air Force, arriving in the Middle East to support air operations during a critical phase of the North African campaign. [5] [2] In this staff role, he helped coordinate tactical air support for the Eighth Army leading into and during the Second Battle of El Alamein in late October and early November 1942, contributing to the planning of close air-ground cooperation that proved decisive in halting the Axis advance. [5] On 31 January 1943, Broadhurst assumed command as Air Officer Commanding the Western Desert Air Force, succeeding Air Vice-Marshal Arthur Coningham who had been promoted to a higher Allied air post. [3] [1] At the age of 37, he became one of the youngest air vice-marshals in the RAF. [6] [7] He immediately emphasized direct air support to ground forces, personally touring forward positions to ensure effective coordination. [3] Broadhurst led the force (soon re-designated the Desert Air Force on 10 July 1943) through the Allied advance across Libya and the Tunisia Campaign, where his command oversaw intensive tactical air operations that supported the Eighth Army and Allied forces in destroying Axis supply lines and providing cover for ground offensives, culminating in the Axis capitulation in North Africa in May 1943. [3] [1] The Desert Air Force under his leadership flew thousands of sorties, achieving air superiority and delivering precise strikes that facilitated rapid advances. [8] He continued in command during the early Mediterranean operations, including air support for the invasion of Sicily in July 1943. [3] Broadhurst was notable for his hands-on approach, frequently flying personal reconnaissance and liaison missions in a captured Fieseler Fi 156 Storch communications aircraft, which he had repainted in British markings for use in touring the front lines and directing operations from forward airstrips. [3] [9] He also undertook operational sorties in fighter aircraft, including Spitfires, to maintain situational awareness and inspire his units. [3] For his leadership of the Desert Air Force during these campaigns, Broadhurst received a bar to his Distinguished Service Order. [10]Later wartime roles (1944–1945)
In March 1944, following his service in the Mediterranean, Broadhurst returned to the United Kingdom and was appointed Air Officer Commanding No. 83 (Composite) Group on 25 March 1944. [3] This formation, part of the Second Tactical Air Force under the Allied Expeditionary Air Force, provided tactical air support to the Second British Army during the Normandy landings and the subsequent advance through North-West Europe. [1] Elements under his command were among the first Allied air units to operate from continental airstrips following the D-Day invasion. [3] Broadhurst continued limited personal flying in a non-combat capacity, using a captured Fieseler Fi 156 Storch—repainted in British markings—as his personal liaison aircraft to visit forward squadrons and assess operations, taking advantage of its short take-off and landing performance. [3] In early 1945 the aircraft was destroyed in an accident at Evere airfield in Belgium after an engine failure on take-off forced an emergency landing attempt onto a hangar roof, which collapsed under the impact; Broadhurst was unhurt. [3] By this stage his operational involvement had become predominantly command and administrative, with no further personal combat sorties or victory claims recorded after 1941. [3] For his leadership during this period Broadhurst received several honours, including appointment as Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) on 15 August 1944 and Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) on 5 July 1945. [3] [1] He was also awarded the American Legion of Merit (Officer grade) on 11 April 1944 and mentioned in despatches in the 1946 honours list for wartime services. [1] [3] In September 1945, as the war drew to a close, he moved to the staff role of Air Officer Administration at Headquarters Fighter Command. [3]Post-war RAF career
Immediate post-war appointments
After the conclusion of the Second World War, Broadhurst's wartime leadership in fighter and tactical air operations led to his appointment to key roles in reshaping the RAF's fighter forces. [3] He held the rank of Air Vice Marshal during this period. In September 1945, Broadhurst was appointed Air Officer Administration at Headquarters Fighter Command, overseeing administrative and organizational aspects of the command during the transition to peacetime operations. [3] On 1 August 1946, he took command as Air Officer Commanding No. 61 Group, responsible for fighter sector operations and related units in the United Kingdom. [3] Broadhurst's progression continued with further senior staff and command roles. He attended the Imperial Defence College in 1949. [3] On 3 February 1950, he was appointed Senior Air Staff Officer at Headquarters British Air Forces of Occupation. [3] On 19 April 1952, he became Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Operations). [3] He was promoted to Air Marshal on 1 January 1954. [3]Senior command and staff roles
Following his distinguished wartime contributions to RAF fighter and tactical air operations, Harry Broadhurst advanced to the highest echelons of RAF command in the postwar era. On 3 December 1953, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief 2nd Tactical Air Force. [3] On 22 January 1956 he was appointed Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Bomber Command, overseeing the service's strategic nuclear deterrent during a critical phase of the Cold War, and held this position until 20 May 1959. [3][5] He was promoted to Air Chief Marshal on 14 February 1957 while serving in this role. [3] Broadhurst's final military appointment was as Commander of Allied Air Forces Central Europe, a NATO post based at Fontainebleau, France, which he assumed on 20 May 1959. [3] In this capacity he was responsible for coordinating air forces across Central Europe until his retirement. He retired from the Royal Air Force at his own request on 1 March 1961 with the rank of Air Chief Marshal. [3][2]Retirement, death, and legacy
Activities after retirement
After retiring from the Royal Air Force on 1 March 1961, Sir Harry Broadhurst entered the civil aviation industry rather than accept a further posting to the Air Ministry in London. [3] He was appointed Managing Director of A V Roe & Co Ltd in Manchester, a position he held until 1966. [3] Following the acquisition of A V Roe by Hawker Siddeley, Broadhurst was appointed Deputy Managing Director, which required relocation to London. [3] During his time in the aviation industry, he also served in leadership roles with the Society of British Aircraft Manufacturers, holding the positions of Vice-Chairman, Chairman, and Deputy Chairman. [3] Broadhurst continued working in the civil aviation industry until his retirement in 1976. [2] No further professional or public activities after that date are documented in available sources.Death
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst died on 29 August 1995 at the age of 89. [3] [1] He passed away in Birdham, in the Chichester District of West Sussex, England. [11] Broadhurst was buried in St. James Churchyard, Birdham. [11] His memorial inscription there records his full titles as Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., D.F.C., A.F.C., Royal Air Force, along with his birth and death years and the Latin phrase "ASISE VENCE HORIZONTES," shared with his wife Jane Elizabeth Broadhurst (1913–2001). [11] No public details of a memorial service or specific circumstances surrounding his death are recorded in available sources.Media appearances
This Is Your Life
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst appeared as himself in a 1982 episode of the British television series This Is Your Life. [12] The episode aired on 31 March 1982 and featured Douglas Bader as the surprised subject, with Broadhurst among the guests contributing tributes and recollections from their shared RAF wartime experiences. [13] [14] This Is Your Life was a long-running biographical program hosted by Eamonn Andrews, in which the subject was ambushed and presented with a "Big Red Book" containing their life story, often featuring family members, colleagues, and notable figures from their past. [13] Broadhurst's participation alongside other RAF figures such as Johnnie Johnson, Robert Stanford Tuck, and Adolf Galland underscored his stature in aviation history, though no specific comments or moments attributed to him are detailed in available records. [13] This remains Broadhurst's only documented television credit. [12]Honours and awards
British and Commonwealth decorations
Harry Broadhurst received numerous British decorations in recognition of his gallantry and distinguished service in the Royal Air Force, particularly during the Second World War and in subsequent senior roles. His gallantry awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) awarded on 2 January 1940 for exceptional flying skill and courage in combat operations against enemy aircraft during the early war period, with a Bar on 29 September 1942. [3] [2] He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 4 July 1941 and a Bar on 19 December 1941 for outstanding leadership, determination in engaging the enemy, and inspirational command of fighter units in key operations. [15] [3] Additionally, he received the Air Force Cross (AFC) on 1 February 1937. [3] Broadhurst's higher honours reflected his service in senior RAF appointments. He was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) on 15 August 1944. [3] He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) on 5 July 1945 and Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) on 1 January 1955 for his service in high command positions. [3] He was further promoted to Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) on 1 January 1960 in recognition of his long and distinguished career culminating in senior leadership roles. [16] Broadhurst was mentioned in despatches on multiple occasions throughout his service, underscoring his consistent contributions and professional excellence. [2] These awards collectively highlight his significant impact on RAF operations and strategy across several decades.Foreign honours and mentions in despatches
Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst was mentioned in despatches on three occasions throughout his service. [3] His first mention came on 26 June 1931 for operations on the North-West Frontier of India. [2] He received further mentions on 17 March 1941 and 1 January 1946. [3] Broadhurst also received foreign honours recognising his contributions during and after the Second World War. [3] He was appointed an Officer of the United States Legion of Merit on 11 April 1944. [3] On 31 October 1947 he was made a Grand Officer of the Egyptian Order of the Nile. [3] He was further awarded the Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords by the Netherlands on 31 October 1947. [2]Full list of awards
The full list of Air Chief Marshal Sir Harry Broadhurst's verified honours and awards, compiled chronologically from biographical sources referencing official announcements, includes gallantry decorations, orders of chivalry, mentions in despatches, and foreign awards. [3][1][11] No campaign medals are detailed in available sources.- Mentioned in Despatches – 26 June 1931, for operations on the North West Frontier.[3]
- Air Force Cross (AFC) – 1 February 1937.[3]
- Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) – 2 January 1940.[3]
- Mentioned in Despatches – 17 March 1941.[3]
- Distinguished Service Order (DSO) – 4 July 1941.[3]
- Bar to the Distinguished Service Order – 19 December 1941.[3]
- Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross – 29 September 1942.[3]
- Officer of the Legion of Merit (United States) – 11 April 1944.[1]
- Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) – 15 August 1944.[3]
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) – 5 July 1945.[3]
- Mentioned in Despatches – 1 January 1946.[3]
- Grand Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau with Swords (Netherlands) – 31 October 1947.[1]
- Grand Officer of the Order of the Nile (Egypt) – 31 October 1947.[3]
- Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) – 1 January 1955.[3]
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) – 1 January 1960.[3]