From a glittering Eton career, Ralph Hope (1914–1940) joined New College, Oxford in 1932. In June 1938, he joined 605 Squadron as a volunteer member of the Auxiliary Air Force based in Castle Bromwich. The Battle of Britain officially lasted from 10 July to 31 October 1940, but Ralph had been on active service since May of that year. He was ‘brought down’ on 14 October, having stayed in his plane until he was over open ground, so as not to endanger the lives of fellow citizens. He thus very definitely gave his life so that others might live.

Ralph Hope’s sheepskin flying mittens
New College Archives, Oxford, NCA JCR/R/HopeR

New College Library and Archives, Oxford