The Airmen's Stories - P/O A L Hamilton

Alexander Lewis Hamilton was born on 17th December 1914 in Adelaide, Australia. He was educated at Sturt Primary and the Technical High School. Going on to study Commerce/Law at Adelaide University he became a member of the University Rifle Team and undertook flying lessons at the Adelaide Aero Club.

After graduating he was employed by the Adelaide Electric Company.

In August 1938 Hamilton applied for a short service commission in the RAF. He was accepted and left for England on 2nd February 1939. He began his initial training course on 13th March 1939.

With his flying training completed, he joined 248 Squadron at its reformation at Hendon on 16th November 1939. It was then a fighter squadron but in February 1940 was transferred to Coastal Command.

For a period in the Battle of Britain 248 was seconded back to Fighter Command for long-range fighter and reconnaissance duties.

On 26th June 1941 Hamilton left 248 to be an instructor and was posted to Rhodesia. He returned to England in mid-1944 and served with 464 Squadron at Thorney Island until 26th April 1945, the squadron operated from airfield B87, Rosieres-en-Santerre, SE of Amiens from early February 1945.

Hamilton stayed on in the RAF, in the Fighter Control Branch. He retired on 5th April 1961 as a Wing Commander and returned to Australia.

On 1st October 1977 he drowned in a boating accident whilst fishing off the coast of New South Wales.

Additional research courtesy of John Hamilton.