Christopher Foxley-Norris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris
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| Birth name | Christopher Neil Foxley-Norris |
| Born | 16 March 1917 Birkenhead, Cheshire |
| Died | 28 September 2003 (aged 86) Northend Common, Stonor |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1974 |
| Rank | Air Chief Marshal |
| Commands held | Second Tactical Air Force (1968–70) No. 224 Group RAF (1964–67) RAF West Malling (1959–60) RAF Stradishall (1958–59) Oxford University Air Squadron (1948–51) No. 14 Squadron RAF (1945–46) No. 143 Squadron RAF (1945) No. 603 Squadron RAF (1944) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Officer of the Order of the British Empire Mentioned in Despatches |
| Other work | Chairman (1974–82) & President (2001–03), Leonard Cheshire Foundation Chairman, Battle of Britain Fighter Association (1978-03) |
Air Chief Marshal Sir Christopher Neil Foxley-Norris (1917–2003) was a very important leader in the Royal Air Force (RAF). He was a squadron commander during the Second World War. Later, he became the Commander-in-Chief of RAF Germany in the late 1960s.
Early Life and Training
Christopher Neil Foxley-Norris was born on March 16, 1917, in Birkenhead, Cheshire. His grandfather was a well-known clergyman named William Foxley Norris. Christopher went to Winchester College and then studied law at Trinity College, Oxford. In 1936, he joined the Oxford University Air Squadron. This was a group for university students interested in flying with the RAF.
Serving in World War II
When the Second World War began in 1939, Foxley-Norris joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He learned to fly and was first sent to No. 13 Squadron RAF. There, he flew Lysander planes during the Battle of France.
After France fell, the need for fighter pilots grew. Foxley-Norris was then moved to No. 3 Squadron. He flew Hurricane fighter planes from RAF Turnhouse during the Battle of Britain.
He was recognized for his bravery and leadership. On May 29, 1945, he was given the Distinguished Service Order. This award is for great courage in battle. The official announcement said:
This officer has a long and distinguished record of operational flying. He has completed numerous sorties on his third tour of duty during which period he has operated against a wide range of enemy targets. For several months this officer has commanded the squadron. During the period numerous attacks have been made against enemy targets. By his brilliant leadership, exceptional skill and determination, Wing Commander Foxley-Norris has contributed in good measure to the successes obtained.
After the War
After the war, Foxley-Norris continued his career in the RAF. He became the commander of several RAF bases, including RAF Stradishall and RAF West Malling. He also attended special courses for senior officers.
In 1967, he became the Director-General of RAF Organisation at the Ministry of Defence. He was promoted to air marshal and took charge of RAF Germany and the 2nd Tactical Air Force in 1968.
In 1969, he was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir." His final role, with the highest rank of air chief marshal, was Chief of Personnel and Logistics in 1971. He retired from the RAF in 1974.
Family Life
In 1948, Foxley-Norris married Joan Lovell Hughes. She became Lady Foxley-Norris. They did not have any children. During the war, Joan worked as a nurse, helping injured pilots. After his death, she often attended events for the Battle of Britain.
Sir Christopher Foxley-Norris passed away on September 28, 2003. His funeral was held at St Mary Devoted at Turville. Memorial services were also held at Westminster Abbey and St. Clement Danes, the Central Church of the Royal Air Force.
