Hubert Dinwoodie GC OBE MC | |
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File:Hubert Dinwoodie GC.jpg | |
Born | 24 March 1896 |
Died | 28 August 1968 | (aged 72)
Place of birth | Bournemouth, England |
Place of death | Bournemouth, England |
Allegiance |
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Service/branch |
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Years of service | 1939–1948 |
Rank | Wing Commander |
Service number | 72819 |
Battles/wars | World War II |
Awards |
Wing Commander Hubert Dinwoodie GC OBE MC (24 March 1896 – 28 August 1968), was a recipient of the George Cross shortly after the end of the Second World War for defusing bombs in Germany in 1946.
First World War[]
During the First World War he won the Military Cross whilst serving with the 3rd Dorset Regiment (attached to a trench mortar battery). He became an observer in the RAF in 1918.
OBE[]
Dinwoodie received an OBE as part of the King's Birthday Honours List on 11 June 1942.[1]

George Cross and its ribbon bar
George Cross[]
On 20 August 1946, German high explosive bombs were being loaded onto barges for disposal at sea when a 50 kilograms (110 lb) bomb was dropped and exploded, killing six and injuring 12. Two train loads of bombs were ready for loading and the port area, in the centre of Lübeck, was evacuated. Squadron Leader Dinwoodie (while on attachment to the 5140 (Bomb Disposal) Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve) and Corporal Garry Garred were sent to the scene and defused one of the remaining bombs in the batch to discover that a faulty fuse had caused the accident. They rendered the remaining 11 bombs safe when another explosion would have not only killed them but set off the bomb laden trains and devastated the town centre.
Awarded the George Cross on 4 February 1947, the citation in the London Gazette praised Dinwoodie for his cold-blooded heroism and initiative he displayed in extremely critical circumstances. Garred was awarded the George Medal.[2]
Hubert's medals and some photographs are held by the RAF Museum at Hendon, London.
References[]
External links[]
- Hubert Dinwoodie at Find a Grave
The original article can be found at Hubert Dinwoodie and the edit history here.