Name

Henry Oswald Hill

Designation
architect
Born
1888
Place of Birth
Davyhulme
Location
Manchester
Died
1917

  • Born                      1888 at Davyhulme
  • Died                       21 October 1917 Died of Wounds, in France age 29

Henry Oswald William (Harry) Hill was the son of Oswald Charles Hill (qv), architect of Manchester and Mary Josephine Hill. He was educated at St Bede’s College, Whalley Range, (1897-1904), before studying architecture at Manchester University, where he graduated at the top of his class. Following the death of his father in 1911, he continued the practice at 9 Albert Square, Manchester, designing several churches and schools, before enlisting in 1915. After attending Officer Training Corps between October 1915 and February 1916, he was gazetted in to the Royal Flying Corps in March 1916. In one report for the St Bede’s College magazine he wrote: “Flying itself is a most delightful sport especially when you are in a frisky mood and have a good natured observer who doesn’t mind holding on tight.”

Captain Henry Oswald Hill was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. The citation noted “He has attacked hostile aircraft on twenty-three occasions and driven them off; in one of these attacks he succeeded in driving off five enemy aeroplanes, although his observer was wounded.” He was killed on 21 October 1917 on a night flight over German trenches at Lombaertzyde, his plane crashing behind enemy lines. In a letter to Flight Commander Hill’s widow, his commanding officer said: “He was exceedingly brave and good, liked and respected by all.” Having no known grave, his name is recorded on the Flying Services Memorial at Arras.

In 1918, his architectural practice was continued by Henry Sandy of Stafford from the offices, at 9 Albert Square, Manchester, under the style Hill Sandy and Norris.

Address
1914        Henry Oswald Hill, AMSA Scottish Provident Buildings, 9, Albert Square, Manchester
1918        Henry Oswald Hill, AMSA Scottish Provident Buildings, 9, Albert Square, Manchester
1919        Henry Oswald Hill, AMSA Scottish Provident Buildings, 9, Albert Square, Manchester

Residence
1911        “The Nook” Oughtrington, Lymm Cheshire

Memorials    Arras Flying Services Memorial
Memorial     St Bede’s College Whalley Range Manchester

Reference    Manchester University Roll of Honour (1922)
Reference    Commonwealth War Graves
Reference    Catholic Herald November 2009