hughes was born in numeralla, new south wales. he joined the royal australian air force in 1936. after graduating as a pilot, he joined the raf. in july 1937, he joined no. 64 squadron, which operated hawker demon and, later, bristol blenheim fighters. posted to no. 234 squadron at the start of world war ii, hughes began flying supermarine spitfires. he shared in the squadron's first victory on 8 july 1940, when with two other spitfires, he shot down a german junkers ju 88 attacking ships near lands end. hughes was known for attacking his targets at extremely close range. he probably died after his spitfire was struck by parts from a german dornier do 17 bomber that he had just shot down near london. hughes was able to get out of the plane, but his parachute did not open. after his death he was awarded the distinguished flying cross. hughes was buried in england.