The Flying Hulls

04/06/26-The Flying Hulls and Bok’s crew of 1942– Richard Pincott and Catherine Pincott-Allen

Catherine began by explaining that this was a story of two cousins: George Laurence Bazett Hull DFC (Bok) and Caesar Barraud Hull DFC, but it all began in Goadby Marwood in 2017 with the discovery of a section of a tailplane from a post WW2 air crash. Bok was held prisoner in Stalag 3 for 3 years. He had worked in Rose Deep Gold mine; Richard then informed us that his cousin Ceasar, born in Shangani, Rhodesia, also worked there, having been educated at St. John's College, Johannesburg, where he became a champion boxer (later, in 1934, representing S. Africa at the Empire Games in London). In 1935, he applied to the RAF, as S. Africa rejected him as he didn’t speak Afrikaans.  He joined 43 squadron 43 (Flying Furies at Tangmere) and established himself as a top pilot, eventually becoming squadron leader, which only lasted for 8 days before he died in a dog fight on 7 September 1940.

Bok also became a squadron Leader working with Sergeant Harry Hibbs DFM (gunner) and Sergeant Tom Baker DFM (Navigator); Harry was killed in a raid over Norway and was replaced by Butch. Richard again spoke about Bok, Tom and Butch being captured and sent to Stalag 3, where they got involved with the 3 tunnels: Tom, Dick and Harry (the film The Great Escape was based on). On Friday, 24 March 1944, 76 prisoners escaped, of which 73 were recaptured (50 of which Hitler ordered to be executed). Then came the ‘Long March’ in July ’44, with 20,000 prisoners in a 20-mile-long procession from Zagan (Poland) towards Spremberg, Germany, to prevent them from being liberated by the advancing Soviet forces. In 1946, Bok was made a Wing Commander but died (17 May 1946) in an accident, crashing from an exploding engine, in Goadby Marwood, Leicestershire, whilst training.

Adrian gave the Vote of Thanks, which was most appropriate, as he informed us that he has served 50 years with the RAF and 50 years walking to find aircraft memorial crash sites all over the UK. He confirmed that there are about 7000 crashes per annum, 50% operational and 50% in training. He found the story fascinating and commended the ‘Field Detectives’ for their diligent research work and entertaining ‘Morecambe and Wise’ style presentation, and asked members to join him in applauding with their normal appreciation.            AR