Augustus Orlebar | |
|---|---|
 Augustus H. Orlebar | |
| Born | 17 February 1897 Hinwick House, Podington, Bedfordshire |
| Died | 4 August 1943 (aged 46) |
| Buried | St Mary's Church, Podington |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service | British Army (1915–18) Royal Air Force (1918–43) |
| Years of service | 1915–1943 |
| Rank | Air Vice Marshal |
| Unit | Bedfordshire Regiment Royal Flying Corps |
| Commands | No. 10 (Fighter) Group RAF Northolt High Speed Flight RAF |
| Battles / wars | First World War Second World War |
| Awards | Commander of the Order of the British Empire Air Force Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches |
Air Vice Marshal Augustus Henry Orlebar, CBE, AFC & Bar (17 February 1897 – 4 August 1943) was a British Army and Royal Air Force officer who served in both world wars.
After being wounded during the Gallipoli campaign, Orlebar was seconded to the Royal Flying Corps and subsequently the Royal Air Force (RAF). He formally transferred to the RAF after the First World War and between the wars was involved in high speed flying, commanding the High Speed Flight RAF, competing in the Schneider Trophy, and holding the world air speed record.
By the outbreak of the Second World War Orlebar was in command of RAF Northolt. He briefly became Director of Flying Training in 1940 before going to HQ RAF Fighter Command. In July 1941 he became Air Officer Commanding, No. 10 (Fighter) Group, and in March 1943 Deputy Chief of Combined Operations. He fell ill, and died in hospital on 4 August 1943.