Nicholas William Hobson DFC AFC (1944-2025)
Nicholas Hobson was born in Devonport, Tasmania, in June 1944, just days before the Allies launched Operation Overlord, the invasion of France, half a world away.
After his education at Devonport Highschool, Hobson went to work for the Bank of New South Wales.
Seeking greater opportunities, he joined the Royal Australian Air Force in October 1966 as an officer cadet and trainee pilot. Graduating as a pilot officer in February 1968, he was posted to No. 5 Squadron, RAAF, for conversion training to fly the UH-1 Iroquois helicopter.
In April 1969, Hobson was posted to No. 9 Squadron, RAAF, then on active service in South Vietnam. Over the next year he flew a variety of operations, including support for the Special Air Service. He was promoted to flying officer in February 1970, and after returning to Australia, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his consistent professionalism and bravery while in Vietnam.
Pilot Officer Nick Hobson at the controls of his Iroquois helicopter during his service in South Vietnam.
He was sent to England to attend a helicopter pilot instructors’ course, after which he returned to 5 Squadron.
When unseasonal floods devastated Canberra and New South Wales in early 1971, Hobson and his crew were sent to Bourke in northern New South Wales, where they flew flood relief operations. In March he and his crew rescued a family of five from the roof of their farmhouse as flood waters threatened to overwhelm them. For his selfless actions he was awarded the Air Force Cross.
Hobson was next sent on exchange to the United States Air Force and upon his return, he became aide de camp to the Governor of Victoria, the Honourable Sir Henry Winneke AC KCMG KCVO OBE.
Terracotta coloured woollen beret of the Multi-National Force and Observers (MFO)
He went on to serve on United Nations operations and had two tours in command of the Australian-led Rotary Wing Aviation Unit to the Multi–National Force and Observers’ (MFO) in the Sinai.
He retired from the RAAF with the rank of wing commander in 1986, having served for 20 years, rising from trainee pilot to an experienced and decorated captain of aircraft. He amassed thousands of helicopter flying hours, having served in war zones, on peacekeeping and domestic assistance operations.
Returning to the civilian world, Hobson took up a position with the New South Wales Directorate of Bicentennial events. He went on to serve as general manager of the Westpac Surf Life Saving Australia Helicopter Rescue Service.
With the rise of the Australian republican movement in 1991, Hobson, a staunch supporter of a constitutional monarchy, became involved in the debate. In 1992 he helped set up Australians for a Constitutional Monarchy and would spend over 30 years lending his expertise to this organisation.
After a life lived with integrity and honour, he passed away, aged 81, in December 2025.
