Sir Patrick Hine: A Legacy of Aviation and Military Leadership
Sir Patrick Bardon Hine, known to many as "Paddy," is a distinguished former senior commander of the Royal Air Force (RAF). With a career spanning nearly four decades, Sir Patrick rose through the ranks to become one of the UK's most senior military figures, most notably serving as the joint commander of all British forces during the Gulf War.
Beyond his strategic military leadership, Sir Patrick's life is marked by a passion for aviation excellence and a prolific amateur sporting career, blending a disciplined military life with high-level achievement in golf.
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Key Facts
- Highest Rank: Air Chief Marshal.
- Major Command: Joint Commander of British Forces during the Gulf War (1991).
- Aviation Milestone: Member of the Black Arrows aerobatics team, participating in a world-record 22-plane loop in 1958.
- Honors: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) and the Order of the British Empire (GBE).
- Post-Military Role: King of Arms of the Order of the British Empire (appointed 1997).
The Ascent of an Air Chief Marshal
Early Career and the Black Arrows
Born on 14 July 1932 near Southampton, England, and educated at Peter Symonds School in Winchester, Patrick Hine entered the RAF on a National Service commission in March 1951. After qualifying as a pilot officer, he began his operational career flying the Gloster Meteor and the Hawker Hunter.
Between 1957 and 1959, Hine was a member of the Black Arrows, the RAF's premier aerobatics display team. He was part of the historic team that performed a world-record 22-plane loop at Farnborough in 1958, a feat that cemented his reputation for precision flying. His early contributions were recognized in 1960 with the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service in the Air.
Rise to Senior Command
Hine's progression through the officer ranks was steady and distinguished. After commanding No. 92 Squadron as a squadron leader in 1962, he moved into strategic roles, including Director of Public Relations for the RAF in 1975. By 1983, he had become the Commander-in-Chief of RAF Germany and Commander of the Second Tactical Air Force.
His leadership trajectory continued upward as he served as Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff (1985–87) and Air Member for Supply and Organisation (1987–88). In 1988, he was appointed Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Strike Command, the primary operational command of the RAF.
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The Gulf War and Retirement
The pinnacle of Sir Patrick's military career came in 1991, when he served as the Joint Commander of all British forces during the Gulf War. This role required the coordination of multi-service operations in a high-stakes international conflict.
Upon retiring from the RAF in 1991, Sir Patrick transitioned to the private sector as a military advisor to British Aerospace until 1999. He also took on a prestigious ceremonial role in 1997 as the King of Arms of the Order of the British Empire, serving as the herald to the Order.
A Prolific Amateur Golf Career
Outside of his military duties, Sir Patrick was an elite amateur golfer. His success began early, winning the Carris Trophy (England U18 Stroke Play Championship), the Brabazon Trophy (England Amateur Stoke Play Champion), and the Hampshire County Championship all in 1949. He also represented England in the boys' matches against Scotland in 1948 and 1949.
His lifelong dedication to the sport led him to become a member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, where he served as Captain for the 2010–11 term. He also served as the Club President of his home course, Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club in Hampshire.
Career Summary
| Period/Year | Role or Achievement | Organization/Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1957–1959 | Aerobatics Pilot | Black Arrows (RAF) |
| 1983–1985 | Commander-in-Chief | RAF Germany |
| 1985–1987 | Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff | Ministry of Defence |
| 1988–1991 | AOC-in-C Strike Command | Royal Air Force |
| 1991 | Joint Commander | British Forces (Gulf War) |
| 1949 | Brabazon & Carris Trophy Winner | Amateur Golf |
| 2010–2011 | Captain | Royal and Ancient Golf Club |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sir Patrick Hine's most significant military role?
Sir Patrick Hine is most notably recognized for serving as the Joint Commander of all British forces during the Gulf War in 1991.
Which aircraft did Sir Patrick Hine fly early in his career?
As a junior officer, he flew the Gloster Meteor and the Hawker Hunter.
What world record was Sir Patrick Hine involved in?
While serving with the Black Arrows aerobatics team, he was part of the group that performed a world-record 22-plane loop at Farnborough in 1958.
What are Sir Patrick Hine's highest honors?
He was appointed a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath (GCB) and a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE).
Did Sir Patrick Hine have a career outside of the military?
Yes, after retiring from the RAF, he worked as a military advisor to British Aerospace and served as the King of Arms of the Order of the British Empire.
What were his achievements in golf?
In 1949, he won the Carris Trophy, the Brabazon Trophy, and the Hampshire County Championship. He later served as Captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (2010–11).