Air Vice Marshal F. D. Hughes was born in Belfast, he lived in Donaglidee in County Down.  He joined Cambridge UAS whilst a Law undergraduate at Pembroke College and was called up on the outbreak of war in September, 1939, when he attended RAF College Cranwell, and 3rd October was appointed to a Direct Entry Commission in the RAFVR.

In 1940, Fred attended School of Army Co-operation, and then attended No 5 OTU before joining 26 Squadron. However, the need for more fighter pilots during the Battle of Britain led to him volunteering and he was posted to 264 Squadron flying the new Boulton-Paul Defiant. Surviving the disastrous daylight operations of the Defiants, he went on to become a successful night fighter pilot. On 11th August, 1943, he and his Radar Operator, P/O Lawrence Dixon, managing to destroy three Ju88's during one sortie.

Fred was posted to 125 Squadron in June 1942 as Flight Commander. There he scored one day victory while flying Beaufighter Mk. II and later another one day victory while flying Beaufighter Mk. VI F. Both kills were accompanied by radar operator Laurie Dixon.

On 19th December, Fred and Laurie joined 600 (City of London) Squadron. There they scored nine further victories before they returned home.

Fred joined the Air Staff at Fighter Command Headquarters in 1943, and on 20th January, 1944, joined the Air Staff at No 85 Group Headquarters, 2nd TAF.
In July, 1944, he was Officer Commanding 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron. Now flying Mosquitoes, he managed to score two more kills over North Western Europe.

By the end of the war, Fred had been credited with 18 confirmed victories, one shared, one probable and one damaged.
On 7th May, 1945, Fred returned to the Air Staff at Fighter Command Headquarters. Frederick Hughes was the fourth top RAF night fighting ace with 18.5 victories. 
On 2nd April, 1946, he was appointed to Permanent Commission in the rank of Flight Lieutenant (retaining rank current at the time).

In 1954, Fred was on the Directing Staff at RAF Staff College, Bracknell, and became PSO to Chief of the Air Staff. In 1959 he was Officer Commanding RAF Geilenkirchen.

Fred's appointments during the 1960s were: Staff Officer, Department of the CAS on 22nd August, 196, and Director of Air Staff Plans on 21st January, 1963. On 30th September, 1963, he was appointed ADC to The Queen. He went to AOA, HQ Flying Training Command on 12th September, 1966, amd on 1st October, 1968 became the AOC, No 18 Group/Air Officer, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Fred retired on 6th June, 1974, and in 1982, he was made Honorary Air Commodore of No 2503 Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment and in 1983, became Deputy Lieutenant of Lincoln.  

Air Vice Marshal Frederick Desmond Hughes died on 11th January, 1992.

Citation for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Flying Medal.

“Flying Officer Frederick Desmond HUGHES (74706), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No.264 Squadron.
967911 Sergeant Fred GASH, No.264 Squadron.
Flying Officer Hughes and Sergeant Gash as pilot and air gunner respectively have participated in numerous engagements against the enemy, both by day and night. During these flights four enemy aircraft have been destroyed, of which two were shot down at night.”
(London Gazette – 18 April 1941)

Citation for the award of the Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

"Acting Squadron Leader Frederick Desmond HUGHES, D.F.C. (74706), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 600 Squadron.
Distinguished Flying Cross.
Flying Officer Lawrence DIXON (116698), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No. 600 Squadron.

As pilot and observer respectively, Squadron Leader Hughes and Flying Officer Dixon have flown together on many night sorties in operations in North Africa. During these flights they have destroyed 3 enemy aircraft. Squadron Leader Hughes and Flying Officer Dixon have displayed great skill and keenness, setting a praiseworthy example."
(London Gazette – 13 April 1943)

Citation for the award of the Second Bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross.

“Acting Squadron Leader Frederick Desmond HUGHES, D.F.C. (74706), Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, No.600 Squadron.

Squadron Leader Hughes is a brilliant night fighter whose determined efforts have met with further successes. Since being awarded a bar to 'the Distinguished Flying Cross he has destroyed 7 enemy aircraft. His total victories number at least 16, of which 13 have been destroyed at night. Squadron Leader Hughes is a highly efficient flight commander and his meritorious, work has been reflected in the efforts of his flight which has earned notable successes.”