William Henry Hubbard

Who was William Henry Hubbard?

Captain William Henry Hubbard was a Canadian World War I flying ace credited with twelve aerial victories against enemy fighter planes despite spending a year and a half out of action. He was noted for his zeal in ground support missions, as well as his success against enemy fighters.

Hubbard had moved to Toronto in 1915 when he volunteered for military service. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Special Reserve on 1 January 1916. On 9 May 1916, he received Royal Aero Club pilot's certificate no. 2871. On 8 September, while flying a Royal Aircraft Factory BE.2c for 5 Squadron, he destroyed a Fokker Eindekker over Saint Julien. On the day after Christmas, he was severely wounded by Erwin Boehme. Upon recovery, he was posted to Home Establishment as an instructor. He remained there until he was promoted Captain and appointed Flight Commander in 73 Squadron, flying a Sopwith Camel. Beginning 11 April 1918, he began to score a steady trickle of wins that took to a total of a dozen on 8 October. It was during this time that he earned both the DFC and a Bar in lieu of a second award; they were awarded more for his ground support missions than aerial success.