Russell George Foskett | |
|---|---|
| Born | 7 May 1917 Roseville, New South Wales |
| Died | 31 October 1944 (aged 27) Aegean Sea |
| Buried | At sea |
| Allegiance | Australia |
| Service | Royal Australian Air Force |
| Years of service | 1940–1944 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Commands | No. 94 Squadron (1943–44) |
| Battles / wars | |
| Awards | Officer of the Order of the British Empire Distinguished Flying Cross Mentioned in Despatches |
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 61⁄2 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.