Malcolm Osler

Born| (1919-03-19)19 March 1919
Benoni, South Africa
Died| 22 September 1971(1971-09-22) (aged 52)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Allegiance| South Africa
Branch| South African Air Force
Years of service| 1939–1944
Rank| Lieutenant Colonel
Service number| IO2677V
Commands| No. 601 Squadron RAF
6 Squadron SAAF
1 Squadron SAAF
Battles / wars| Second World War
Awards| Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar

Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Stephen Osler, DFC & Bar (19 March 1919 – 22 September 1971) was a South African flying ace of the Second World War, credited with 12 aerial victories.[1]

## Military career

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Osler joined the South African Permanent Force in 1938 after attending a TATS pupil pilot training scheme. He joined 1 Squadron SAAF in June 1941 and assumed command of the squadron 6 months later.[1] He returned to South Africa and commanded 6 Squadron SAAF before attending a Military College Staff course. He served briefly as an instructor before joining 145 Squadron. On 29 April 1944 he was promoted to lieutenant colonel and awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Cross.[2] He then took command of No. 601 Squadron RAF before serving with 1 MORU and 5 SAAF Wing before being demobilised.

Osler died suddenly on 22 September 1971.[1]

## References

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1. ^ a b c Shores, Christoper; Williams, Clive (1994). Aces High. Grub Street. p. 588\. ISBN 1-898697-00-0.
2. ^ Tidy, D (1971). "SOUTH AFRICAN AIR ACES OF WORLD WAR II". South African Military History Journal. 2 (2).