14 Facts About Alan Rice-Oxley

Lieutenant Alan Rice-Oxley was a British pilot during World War I He became a flying ace in 1918, credited with six aerial victories.

Alan Rice-Oxley was born as Alan Rice Oxley in Kings Langley, Hertfordshire on 1 July 1896.

Alan Rice-Oxley first served as a private in the 21st Battalion, The London Regiment, until 5 February 1915 when he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the 4th Battalion, The King's.

Alan Rice-Oxley was seconded for duty with the Royal Flying Corps, and appointed a flying officer on 10 September 1916.

Alan Rice-Oxley trained as a pilot and initially served with No 15 Squadron in France, tasked with artillery-spotting and reconnaissance.

Alan Rice-Oxley was wounded in action during the Battle of the Somme in October 1916, and after recuperating became a fighter pilot.

Alan Rice-Oxley was promoted to lieutenant on 1 July 1917.

Alan Rice-Oxley recorded his first victories in a combat on 12 July 1918.

Alan Rice-Oxley was transferred to the RAF's unemployed list on 26 March 1919, and relinquished his commission in the King's Shropshire Light Infantry on 30 September 1921.

In 1921 Alan Rice-Oxley emigrated to North Borneo to join the armed constabulary there, and was appointed as an officer of Class B in the following year, with the rank of captain.

Alan Rice-Oxley's duties included showing visitors around and, in 1926, while motoring with the author Somerset Maugham, Rice-Oxley came across a 13-foot snake and killed it with his malacca cane.

Alan Rice-Oxley was appointed Superintendent of Police, Adjutant, and Superintendent of Prisons, in Jesselton in 1929.

Alan Rice-Oxley's career continued apace and he attained the position of Commissioner of Police.

Alan Rice-Oxley is buried in the churchyard of St Mary Magdalene, Loders, Dorset.