12 Facts About Bobby Oxspring

Bobby Oxspring was born in Hampstead, London on 22 May 1919.

Bobby Oxspring's father, named Robert, had served in No 54 Squadron RFC, and was a founder member and commander of No 66 Squadron RFC during the First World War, in which he was credited with several aerial victories, and was twice awarded the Military Cross before being wounded in action during a mid-air collision on 30 April 1917.

Bobby Oxspring was granted a short service commission as an acting pilot officer on 7 May 1938, being described at the time as "a tallish, good-looking, fair-headed bloke", and served in No 66 Squadron RAF.

Bobby Oxspring was regraded to pilot officer on 7 March 1939.

One day in September, 1940, Flight Lieutenant Bobby Oxspring was engaged on an offensive patrol with his squadron.

Bobby Oxspring has at all times led his section with skill and determination, and has destroyed six enemy aircraft.

Bobby Oxspring was awarded a Bar to his DFC on 18 September 1942, with the citation:.

Bobby Oxspring destroyed one enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 8.

Bobby Oxspring stayed on in the RAF, receiving a permanent commission as a flight lieutenant on 1 September 1945, and being promoted to substantive squadron leader on 1 August 1947.

Bobby Oxspring was awarded the Air Force Cross on 1 January 1949, after leading No 54 Squadron RAF Vampires to Canada and the US, the first jet aircraft to cross the Atlantic.

Bobby Oxspring was appointed Station Commander of RAF Gatow in Berlin, where a section of the fence was the Berlin Wall.

Bobby Oxspring died on 8 August 1989, and is buried at Cranwell Parish church, Lincolnshire.