Raymond Towers Holmes was a British Royal Air Force fighter pilot during the Second World War who is best known for an event that occurred during the Battle of Britain. He became famous when he reportedly saved Buckingham Palace from being hit by German bombing by ramming his Hawker Hurricane into a Dornier Do 17 bomber over London. He was feted by the press as a war hero for saving the Palace. However, different versions of this event have been proposed. Holmes became a King's Messenger after the war, and died at the age of 90 in 2005.
Ray Holmes, English lieutenant and pilot (born 1914)
On June 27, in the year 2005, Ray Holmes, English lieutenant and pilot (born 1914). This event is recorded as a Notable Deaths event in the history of June 27, a notable event in this corner of history.
1 notable person is associated with this event, including Ray Holmes. Learn more below.
Key Facts
- This event took place on June 27, 2005 (AD era).
- It is categorised as a Notable Deaths event in recorded history.
- Referenced in 1 Wikipedia article.
- 1 notable person is recorded as involved in or associated with this event.
- Wikipedia source last updated on 3 May 2026.
On This Date in History
This article draws on content from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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