Flt.Sgt. Maurice Frederick "Moggie" Hoare
Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve 264 Squadron
from:51 Oakdene Rd, Watford, Herts
(d.18th July 1944)
Maurice Hoare was my uncle who was killed before I was born at the tender age of 21. He was the much loved son of my Nan and granddad, Ivy and Fred Hoare of Watford, Herts, and brother to my Dad, Geoff Hoare, who also served in the RAF as an engineer. From an early age I remember noticing the photos of Uncle Maurice in my Nan's house and she spoke of him with great pride. My dad called him Moggie and up to his death in 2016 made a trip to the local war memorial on Remembrance Sunday every year.
Uncle Maurice did some of his training in South Africa and at the time of his death was on diver patrol, flying the de Havilland Mosquito out of RAF Hartford Bridge. Unfortunately, he was involved in a collision with a Tempest EJ530 as they both dived for the same target. The Tempest was piloted by W/Cdr CH Hartley who baled out and broke his ankle on landing.
When my parents died I inherited Maurice's log book, medals and various other momentoes of his short but meaningful life. He is buried in North Watford Cemetery. He would have been 96 this year so I doubt I will ever find any colleagues who knew him but if there is anyone with any stories of him, I would love to hear from you!
