Ulric Cross

Ulric Cross

Cross as shown in a 1944 documentary about the West Indies
Birth namePhilip Louis Ulric Cross
Nickname(s)Black Hornet
Born(1917-05-01)1 May 1917
Belmont, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Died4 October 2013(2013-10-04) (aged 96)
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Allegiance United Kingdom
Service / branch Royal Air Force
Years of service1941–47
RankSquadron Leader
Service number133060
CommandsNo. 139 (Jamaica) Squadron
Battles / warsWorld War II
AwardsDistinguished 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.[1][2] He is credited with helping to prevent some two hundred bombers from being shot down in a raid over Germany in 1943.[3] 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.

  1. ^ "Profile – Justice Ulric Cross".
  2. ^ "Justice P L Ulric Cross", The Cotton Tree Foundation.
  3. ^ Robert Booth (14 July 2021). "Trinidadian war hero told RAF superiors he was African royalty". The Guardian.