No. 41 Squadron RAF from RAF Hornchurch with orders to patrol over Maidstone at 15,000 ft. As the squadron climbed, a large enemy bomber formation was met over the Thames Estuary. Hood took the squadron in line-astern formation and attacked the Do 17 bombers head-on. It is believed that while attacking, No. 41 Squadron were bounced by Bf 109s of JG 54. Four Spitfires of No. 41 Squadron failed to return: Flight Lieutenant "Terry" Webster was killed in action, and Squadron Leader Hood was officially recorded as missing in action on 5 September 1940. His Spitfire was P9428, coded "EB – R". The exact cause of Hood's demise remains unconfirmed, although one of the five combat claims made by JG 54 probably relate to this casualty. Hood was reported to have baled out, but his parachute became entangled with his aircraft with fatal consequences. Spitfire P9428 then crashed, engine-less and minus its port wing, near Nevendon. There is speculation that Hood was buried in a German war grave by mistake. Hood was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the award being gazetted after his death. Hood is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial. References External links Details of his death Quotes from his colleagues 1908 births 1940 deaths Royal Air Force squadron leaders The Few People educated at Tonbridge School Graduates of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell Missing in action of World War II Royal Air Force pilots of World War II Royal Air Force personnel killed in World War II People from Paddington Military personnel from London Recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)