Bobby Oxspring facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Wardlow Oxspring
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Bobby Oxspring by Cuthbert Orde, 1940
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| Nickname(s) | Bobby or Oxo |
| Born | 22 May 1919 Hampstead, London, England |
| Died | 8 August 1989 (aged 70) Stamford, Lincolshire, England |
| Buried |
Cranwell, Lincolnshire
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1938–1968 |
| Rank | Group captain |
| Service number | 40743 |
| Unit | No. 66 Squadron RAF No. 41 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | RAF Gatow (1965–67) No. 73 Squadron RAF (1949) No. 54 Squadron RAF (1948) No. 141 Wing RAF (1944–45) No. 222 Squadron RAF (1942) No. 72 Squadron RAF (1942) No. 91 Squadron RAF (1942) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross & Two Bars Air Force Cross Airman's Cross (Netherlands) |
Robert Wardlow Oxspring (May 22, 1919 – August 8, 1989) was a brave Royal Air Force officer. He was known as a "flying ace" during the Second World War. This means he shot down many enemy aircraft.
Contents
Early Life and Flying Family
Robert Oxspring was born in Hampstead, London, on May 22, 1919. His father, also named Robert, was a pilot too. He flew in the First World War. He even helped start and lead a squadron called No. 66 Squadron RFC. His father was also a flying ace and won medals for his bravery.
Becoming a War Hero
Robert Oxspring joined the Royal Air Force in 1938. He was described as a "tall, good-looking" young man. He served in No. 66 Squadron RAF, just like his father.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
Oxspring flew many missions during the Battle of Britain in 1940. This was a huge air battle over Britain. On October 25, his Supermarine Spitfire plane was shot down. Luckily, he survived. He became known as one of the battle's great aces. He was even chosen to have his portrait drawn by a famous artist, Cuthbert Orde.
Earning Medals for Bravery
On November 8, 1940, Oxspring received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This medal is given for great bravery in air combat. He earned it for destroying six enemy aircraft. He also damaged two more.
He was promoted and became a flight commander. Later, he led several squadrons, including No. 91 Squadron RAF.
Oxspring received a Bar to his DFC on September 18, 1942. This meant he got the medal a second time. He was recognized for his skill in attacking enemy targets. By this time, he had destroyed at least seven enemy planes.
He then moved to fight in North Africa. There, he earned a second Bar to his DFC in February 1943. This was for destroying another enemy aircraft. His total victories reached eight. He was praised for his dedication and fighting spirit.
By the end of the war in 1945, Oxspring had destroyed 13 enemy aircraft on his own. He also shared in two other victories. He even shot down five of the dangerous V-1 flying bombs.
Leading Squadrons and Post-War Flights
After the war, Robert Oxspring stayed in the RAF. He received the Dutch Airman's Cross medal. He also earned several other British war medals.
In 1949, he received the Air Force Cross. This was for leading No. 54 Squadron RAF's Vampire jets. They were the first jet aircraft to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.
Later that year, he led five Vampire jets on a tour of Italy. During one flight, his radio broke. He had to land his plane in a field because he was almost out of fuel. The other four jets followed him. All five pilots landed safely without serious injuries!
Oxspring continued to rise through the ranks. He became a wing commander in 1953. Finally, he reached the rank of group captain in 1960.
He was put in charge of RAF Gatow in Berlin. Part of the base's fence was the famous Berlin Wall. He retired from the RAF in 1968.
Life After the RAF
After retiring, Robert Oxspring wrote a book. It was called Spitfire Command. He passed away on August 8, 1989. He is buried in Cranwell Parish church in Lincolnshire.
