Oliver Redgate facts for kids

Oliver William Redgate was a brave British pilot during the First World War. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down 16 enemy aircraft. He was born on November 23, 1898, and sadly passed away in 1929.

Early Life of Oliver Redgate

Oliver Redgate was born in Nottingham, England. His father, also named Oliver Redgate, was a famous cricket player for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. Oliver had two sisters, Arleene Annie and Ida Eveline.

Flying in World War I

Oliver joined the Royal Navy on January 3, 1917, to become a pilot in the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). He learned to fly a Caudron biplane and earned his pilot's license on March 30.

Soon after, he became a flight sub-lieutenant and joined No. 9 (Naval) Squadron in France. There, he flew a special single-seat fighter plane called the Sopwith Camel.

First Victories in the Sky

Oliver got his first victory on July 25, 1917, when he forced a German plane out of the sky. He then scored more victories in September and October. By December 1917, he had achieved nine victories and was promoted to flight lieutenant.

Joining the Royal Air Force

On April 1, 1918, something big happened: the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS) and the British Army's Royal Flying Corps (RFC) joined together. They formed a new, bigger air force called the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Oliver continued to fly for the new RAF. He shot down more enemy planes in April and May. On May 15, 1918, he was hurt in combat, which meant he couldn't fly in battles for the rest of the war.

By the end of the war, Oliver had helped destroy nine enemy aircraft and forced seven others down. Some of these victories were shared with other pilots. After his injury, he worked in England until the war ended on November 11, 1918.

Oliver was confirmed as a captain on January 3, 1919. Later that year, he was no longer needed for military service.

Life After the War

After the war, Oliver Redgate lived in East Leake with his mother and sisters. He passed away in 1929 due to an illness. To remember him, there is now a road in East Leake called "Redgate Close."

Awards and Recognition

Oliver Redgate received a special award called the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). This award is given for bravery while flying.

His award citation said:

Lieutenant (Honorary Captain) William Oliver [sic] Redgate.

On one occasion, while leading five planes, he saw twelve enemy planes attacking our scouts. He quickly led his group to help. Two enemy planes then attacked him. With great skill, he got behind one and forced it down. Captain Redgate has taken down seven enemy planes in total and always shows courage.