Ulric Cross
Ulric Cross | |
|---|---|
Cross as shown in a 1944 documentary about the West Indies | |
| Birth name | Philip Louis Ulric Cross |
| Nickname(s) | Black Hornet |
| Born | 1 May 1917 Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Died | 4 October 2013 (aged 96) Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1941–47 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Service number | 133060 |
| Commands | No. 139 (Jamaica) Squadron |
| Battles / wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross |
| Children |
|
Philip Louis Ulric Cross DSO DFC (1 May 1917 – 4 October 2013) was a Trinidadian jurist, diplomat and Royal Air Force (RAF) navigator, recognised as possibly the most decorated West Indian of World War II. He is credited with helping to prevent some two hundred bombers from being shot down in a raid over Germany in 1943. He subsequently studied law at London's Middle Temple, and went on to fulfil a distinguished international career as a jurist across Africa and within Trinidad and Tobago. He also served as a diplomat for Trinidad and Tobago to the United Kingdom.