Oxspring, Robert Wardlow "Oxo"
- Date of birth:
- May 22nd, 1919 (Sheffield/England, Great Britain)
- Date of death:
- August 8th, 1989
- Service number:
- 40743
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Robert Oxspring was the son of a World War 1 decorated pilot of the same name. He joined the RAF in March 1938 on a short service commission and joined 66 Sqn. in the December and started operational flying in July 1940 and flew throughout the Battle of Britain. He was shot down by Bf 109's over Kent on 25thOctober, baling out with slight injuries (Caterpillar Club Badge). He was awarded an AFC in January 1949 after leading a team of 54 Sqn Vampires to Canada and the USA, the first jet aircraft to cross the Atlantic. He retired from the service with the rank of Group Captain, having been Station Commander of RAF Gatow, Germany, in 1968 and settled in Lincolnshire near to RAF Cranwell. He died on 8th August 1989. Total Claims: 13 and 1 shared destroyed, 2 probable ,13 damaged, 4 V-1s destroyed
Promotions:
7th May 1938: Acting Pilot Officer on probation;
3rd September 1940: Flying Officer;
3rd September 1941: Flight Lieutenant (war subs.);
1st January 1944: Temporary Squadron Leader;
15th June 1944: Squadron Leader (war subs.);
1st September 1945: Flight Lieutenant (permanent);
1st August 1947: Squadron Leader.
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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 66 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- November 8th, 1940
"One day in September, 1940, Flight Lieutenant Oxspring was engaged on an offensive patrol with his squadron. Whilst acting as rear guard, he sighted and engaged several Messerschmitt 109’s 3,000 feet above. After driving them off, he led his section in an attack against a large formation of enemy bombers and succeeded in destroying a Dornier 17 at short range and also in damaging two Heinkel 111's. He has at all times led his section with skill and determination, and has destroyed six enemy aircraft."
Published in The London Gazette dated 8th November 1940.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 72 (Basutoland) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- September 18th, 1942
"This squadron commander has rendered much valuable service. His skill, whether in attacks on the enemy's ground targets and shipping or in air combat, has been of a high order. He has destroyed at least 7 enemy aircraft."
Published in The London Gazette dated 18th September 1942.
Second DFC received as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Squadron Leader
- Unit:
- No. 72 (Basutoland) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- February 16th, 1943
"During initial operations from forward airfields in North Africa Squadron Leader Oxspring led his formation on many sorties. He destroyed 1 enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 8. His outstanding devotion to duty and fine fighting qualities 'have been worthy of' high praise."
Published in The London Gazette dated 16th February 1943.
Third DFC received as a second bar for on the ribbon of the first DFC.
Vliegerkruis (VK)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Wing Commander
- Awarded on:
- October 3rd, 1946
Award 497a.
Royal decree No. 40, dated 3rd October 1946.
The London Gazette on 10th January 1947.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Sources
- - MEIJER, H.G. & VIS, R., Het Vliegerkruis, De Bataafsche Leeuw, Amsterdam, 1997.
- The London Gazette of Tuesday 5th November 1940, Issue 34986
- The London Gazette of Friday 8yh November 1940, Issue 34987
- The London Gazette of Tuesday 2nd December 1941, Issue 35366
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of Tuesday 15th September 1942, Issue 25709, dated 18th September 1942
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 12th February 1943, Issue 35904, dated 16th February 1943
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette of Tuesday 18th January 1944, Issue 36340, dated 21st January 1944
- First Supplement to The London Gazette of Tuesday 1st August 1944, Issue 36639, dated 4th August 1944
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 29th March 1946, Issue 37518, dated 2nd April 1946
- Second Supplement to The London Gazette of Friday 1st August 1947, Issue 38035, dated 5th August 1947
- The Dutch Medals Page
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