Alastair Ogilvy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Alexander Ogilvy
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|
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Alistair |
| Born | 30 November 1915 Kelso, Scotland |
| Died | 23 February 1995 (aged 79) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1945 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | 1939–45 Star medal (with the Battle of Britain Clasp) |
Squadron Leader Charles Alexander "Alistair" Ogilvy (born November 30, 1915 – died February 23, 1995) was a brave British Royal Air Force officer. He flew fighter planes during World War II, especially during the famous Battle of Britain. For a long time, his important role wasn't officially known because some records were lost during the war. He was finally recognized as one of "The Few" after he passed away.
Contents
Early Life and Hobbies
Ogilvy was born in Kelso, Scotland, on November 30, 1915. He was the oldest of five brothers. Everyone knew him as Alistair.
He went to school at Edinburgh Academy. After school, he moved to London. There, he worked for an insurance company. Alistair also loved playing rugby union. He played for the London Scottish rugby club.
Flying for the Royal Air Force
In 1939, Alistair joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. This was a group of people who volunteered to fly for the air force. He trained to be a pilot at RAF Woodley.
On September 29, 1940, he became a Sergeant. Soon after, on October 14, 1940, he joined No. 610 Squadron RAF. This squadron was based at RAF Acklington. He flew two important missions, called sorties, on October 25, 1940. These flights meant he earned the Battle of Britain Clasp for his medal.
Training Other Pilots
After flying in battle, Ogilvy became a flying instructor. He was sent to RAF Cranwell. Over three years, he taught more than 120 new pilots. He flew over 1,000 training flights!
He was promoted to an officer on September 29, 1941. Then, on September 29, 1942, he became a Flight Lieutenant.
Later War Missions
In 1945, he joined No. 622 Squadron RAF at RAF Mildenhall. Here, he flew large Lancaster bombers. He took part in 16 bombing raids.
He also flew in special missions:
- Operation Manna: Delivering food to the Netherlands.
- Operation Exodus: Bringing British prisoners of war home.
- Operations Baedecker and Dodge Bari: Other important missions.
Life After the War
Alistair had married in 1939. He had two daughters, Anne (born 1940) and Susan (born 1942).
After the war ended, Ogilvy went back to working in the insurance business. He kept playing rugby for the London Scottish rugby club. He was even the captain of the main team in the 1946–47 season.
He retired in 1985. By then, he was a director and secretary at a big insurance company. He enjoyed playing golf and working in his garden. He was also a church warden. Alistair Ogilvy passed away on February 23, 1995, at the age of 79.
Recognized as One of "The Few"
Years after Alistair's death, his daughter Susan found something special. While looking through her mother's belongings, she found her father's 1939–45 Star medal. It had a Battle of Britain Clasp on it. This clasp showed he had fought in the Battle of Britain.
She also found records proving her father had flown Spitfires. These records showed he took part in two missions on October 25, 1940. Susan decided to find out more. She hired a researcher. She also contacted the Battle of Britain Memorial Committee. She wanted to officially confirm her father's wartime service.
At first, it was thought that Ogilvy's name could not be added to the Battle of Britain London Monument. But with help from a company, his name was finally added to a bronze panel.
Alistair Ogilvy's name was officially unveiled on July 26, 2010. His daughter Susan was there. Other important people also attended. These included Robert Foster (pilot), who led the Battle of Britain Fighter Association. Also present were Councillor Robert Davis, Michael Conway (whose company helped pay for the addition), and Air Commodore Gordon Bruce.
