Alastair Ogilvy
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United KingdomCharles Alexander Ogilvy | |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Alistair |
| Born | 30 November 1915 Kelso, Scotland |
| Died | 23 February 1995 (aged 79) |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch |  Royal Air Force |
| Service years | 1939–1945 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Conflicts | World War II |
| Awards | 1939–45 Star medal (with the Battle of Britain Clasp) |
Squadron Leader Charles Alexander "Alistair" Ogilvy (30 November 1915 – 23 February 1995) was a British Royal Air Force officer who flew with Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain. Due to records lost during World War II, he was not recognised as one of The Few until after his death.[1]
Ogilvy, who was known throughout his life as Alastair, was born on 30 November 1915 in Kelso, Scotland, the eldest of five sons. He was educated at Edinburgh Academy. After leaving school he moved to London and worked for the Northern Assurance Company. Whilst living in London Ogilvy played rugby union for the London Scottish rugby club.
Royal Air Force
Ogilvy joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve in 1939 and was trained as a pilot at RAF Woodley near Reading. He was promoted to Sergeant on 29 September 1940.[2] He joined No. 610 Squadron RAF at RAF Acklington on 14 October 1940 and flew two operational sorties on 25 October 1940, this qualifying him for the Battle of Britain Clasp.
Ogilvy was posted to RAF Cranwell as a flying instructor, where he trained more than 120 pilots over a 3-year period in over 1,000 flights. He was commissioned on 29 September 1941[3] and promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant on 29 September 1942.[4]
He was posted to No. 622 Squadron RAF at RAF Mildenhall in 1945, flying Lancaster bombers, and took part in 16 bombing raids, as well as Operations Manna (delivering food parcels to the Netherlands), Exodus (bringing home British prisoners of war), Baedecker, and Dodge Bari.[5]