Russell Foskett

Russell George Foskett, OBE, DFC (7 May 1917 – 31 October 1944) was an Australian aviator and flying ace of the Second World War.

In subsequent aerial engagements, Foskett was officially credited with the destruction of 61⁄2 Axis aircraft and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Foskett was killed on 31 October 1944, after his aircraft developed engine trouble and he was forced to bail out over the Aegean Sea, where his parachute failed to open.

[3] Promoted to the substantive rank of sergeant on 10 June 1941, Foskett was transferred to the RAF Headquarters, Middle East the following day.

80 Squadron, Donald Jack, later commented of Foskett during this time: "the man, who was a born leader ... had everything required; enthusiasm, aggression, humour, a zest for life and boundless energy".

[1] On 3 November 1942, Foskett led his squadron in a sortie over El Alamein against a formation of Stuka dive bombers that were escorted by Messerschmitt Bf 109s.

One day in November, 1942, this officer led his squadron in an attack on a formation of Stuka dive bombers, heavily escorted by fighters.

Based in the Libyan town of El Adem, the squadron was equipped with Hawker Hurricanes and consisted of a mixture of Commonwealth personnel, in addition to a contingent of Yugoslavian pilots.

Noted as "outstanding" as "a fighter pilot and commander" during this time,[1] Foskett was consequently Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the wings of the Royal Yugoslav Air Force by King Peter II.

[1][6] The squadron was re-equipped with Supermarine Spitfires during February that year, and it was while piloting one of these aircraft that Foskett scored his final victory of the war.

[1] On 31 October 1944, Foskett was returning to base following an operation when his Spitfire developed engine trouble between the islands of Skiathos and Skópelos over the Aegean Sea.

[8] Foskett's younger brother Bruce William, a Royal Australian Air Force navigator, had been killed in an operation over Berlin the previous February.

94 Squadron, Foskett was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, which was posthumously announced in a supplement to the London Gazette on 1 January 1945.

[3][10] On 16 February 1946, Foskett's father, Edward, attended an investiture ceremony at Government House, Sydney, where he was presented with his late son's decorations by the Governor-General of Australia, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester.