Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Stephen Osler, DFC & Bar (19 March 1919 – 22 September 1971) was a South African flying ace of the Second World War, credited with 12 aerial victories.[1]
Malcolm Osler | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 19 March 1919 Benoni, South Africa |
| Died | 22 September 1971 (aged 52) Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Allegiance | South Africa |
| Service | South African Air Force |
| Years of service | 1939–1944 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Service number | IO2677V |
| Commands | No. 601 Squadron RAF 6 Squadron SAAF 1 Squadron SAAF |
| Battles / wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar |
Military career
editOsler joined the South African Permanent Force in 1938 after attending a TATS pupil pilot training scheme. He joined 1 Squadron SAAF in June 1941 and assumed command of the squadron 6 months later.[1] He returned to South Africa and commanded 6 Squadron SAAF before attending a Military College Staff course. He served briefly as an instructor before joining 145 Squadron. On 29 April 1944 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross.[2] He then took command of No. 601 Squadron RAF before serving with 1 MORU and 5 SAAF Wing before being demobilised.
Osler died suddenly on 22 September 1971.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c Shores, Christoper; Williams, Clive (1994). Aces High. Grub Street. p. 588. ISBN 1-898697-00-0.
- ^ Tidy, D (1971). "SOUTH AFRICAN AIR ACES OF WORLD WAR II". South African Military History Journal. 2 (2).