Russell Foskett
| Russell George Foskett | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 May 1917 Roseville, New South Wales |
| Died | 31 October 1944 (aged 27) Aegean Sea |
| Buried at | At sea |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service/branch | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1944 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Commands held | No. 94 Squadron (1943–44) |
| Battles/wars |
Second World War |
| Awards |
Officer of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
Second World War
Russell George Foskett, OBE, DFC (7 May 1917 – 31 October 1944) was an Australian aviator and flying ace of the Second World War. Born in a suburb of Sydney, Foskett was employed as a clerk in 1940 when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force. Accepted as a pilot under the Empire Air Training Scheme, he completed his training in Australia and Southern Rhodesia, before transferring for service over North Africa. In subsequent aerial engagements, Foskett was officially credited with the destruction of 6½ Axis aircraft and awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Appointed to command No. 94 Squadron RAF, he was transferred to the Mediterranean Theatre in 1944. 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.
Foskett was born in the Sydney suburb of Roseville, New South Wales, on 7 May 1917 to Edward George Foskett, an accountant, and his wife Dora Mabel (née Cotterill). Foskett was educated at Hornsby Junior Technical School, before going on to study accountancy. He later gained employment as a clerk in the credit department of Shell Co. of Australia Pty Ltd. In his youth, Foskett was active in scouting as a Rover as well as sport, particularly hockey; he was a member of the Gordon district hockey club and represented New South Wales.
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