Oliver Redgate
Encyclopedia
Captain Oliver William Redgate was a World War I flying ace
credited with 16 aerial victories.
in February 1917. He scored his first victory on 25 July 1917 and sporadically registered single triumphs until he totaled 16 on 15 May 1918. On that date, he sustained a leg wound serious enough to remove him from combat for the rest of the war. His final tally was nine enemy aircraft destroyed, including six shared with other British pilots, and seven enemy airplanes driven down out of control, including three shared with squadron-mates. He served in Home Establishment until the Armistice on 11 November 1918.
"Lt. (Hon. Gapt.) William Oliver Redgate.
On an occasion during the past two months when leading an offensive patrol of five machines, he observed an enemy formation of twelve aeroplanes attacking another formation of our scouts. He at once led his patrol to the aid of our second patrol, and as he approached it two enemy scouts dived at him. By skilful piloting he placed himself behind one of these machines and, diving on it, drove it to destruction. Capt. Redgate has accounted for seven enemy machines in all, and displays enterprise and courage on all occasions."
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
credited with 16 aerial victories.
Early life
Oliver William Redgate's parents were Annie Eveline Clarke Redgate and Nottingham cricketeer Oliver Redgate. He had two sisters, Arleene Annie and Ida Eveline.World War I service
He joined the Royal Naval Air ServiceRoyal Naval Air Service
The Royal Naval Air Service or RNAS was the air arm of the Royal Navy until near the end of the First World War, when it merged with the British Army's Royal Flying Corps to form a new service , the Royal Air Force...
in February 1917. He scored his first victory on 25 July 1917 and sporadically registered single triumphs until he totaled 16 on 15 May 1918. On that date, he sustained a leg wound serious enough to remove him from combat for the rest of the war. His final tally was nine enemy aircraft destroyed, including six shared with other British pilots, and seven enemy airplanes driven down out of control, including three shared with squadron-mates. He served in Home Establishment until the Armistice on 11 November 1918.
Postwar life
Redgate settled in East Leake, along with his mother and sisters. He died of tuberculosis in 1929.Honors and awards
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)"Lt. (Hon. Gapt.) William Oliver Redgate.
On an occasion during the past two months when leading an offensive patrol of five machines, he observed an enemy formation of twelve aeroplanes attacking another formation of our scouts. He at once led his patrol to the aid of our second patrol, and as he approached it two enemy scouts dived at him. By skilful piloting he placed himself behind one of these machines and, diving on it, drove it to destruction. Capt. Redgate has accounted for seven enemy machines in all, and displays enterprise and courage on all occasions."