Only 7 of The Few left as Bob, 97, dies

ONE of the last of The Few who won the Battle of Britain has died aged 97.

In 1940 as Hitler tried to destroy the RAF before invading, Flight Lieutenant Bob Hughes was an airgunner with night-fighter Blenheims of 23 Squadron.

Two operational tours in Bristol Blenheim bombers followed, earning him a Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry in 1943.

David Brocklehurst, chairman of the Kent Battle of Britain Museum, said last night: “RIP Bob Hughes. Your duty’s done.”

After Kent-born Mr Hughes’ death, seven of the heroes remain.

The 3,000 were lauded by Prime Minister Winston Churchill who said: “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”