LEST WE FORGET
Flight Lieutenant Russell George FOSKETT OBE DFC
Service No: 402652
Born: Sydney NSW, 7 May 1917
Enlisted in the RAAF: 18 September 1940
Unit: No. 94 Squadron (RAF)
Awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 4 December 1942
Awarded the Order of the British Empire – Officer (Military) (OBE), 1 January 1945 (Citation: RAAF – Second World War Honours List)
Died: Air Operations: (No. 94 Squadron Spitfire aircraft EB489), off the Greek Coast, 31 October 1944, Aged 27 Years
Buried: At Sea
CWGC Additional Information: Son of Edward George and Dora Mabel Foskett, of Roseville, New South Wales, Australia
Roll of Honour: Unknown
Remembered: Panel 16, Column 1, Malta Memorial, Malta
Remembered: Panel 122, Commemorative Area, Australian War Memorial, Canberra ACT
Remembered: Ku-ring-gai World War 2 Book of Remembrance, Gordon NSW
Remembered: Roseville Uniting Church Honour Roll, Roseville NSW
Remembered: Roseville War Memorial, Roseville NSW
DFC Citation (for service with No. 80 Squadron (RAF): One day in November 1942, this officer led his squadron in an attack on a formation of Stuka bombers, heavily escorted by fighters. During the combat 7 Stukas were shot down, a further 8 probably destroyed and several others were damaged. Flight Lieutenant Foskett, who displayed great skill and daring, destroyed 2 of the enemy aircraft before his own was hit. He landed safely, however, and rejoined his squadron the same night. The following morning he resumed his flying duties. This officer has participated in a large number of sorties and has displayed inspirational leadership. (London Gazette 4 December 1942, page 5265)
On 31 October 1944 Spitfire EB489 was detailed to carry out ground strafing attacks against Germans retreating from Greece. On the way home the aircraft developed engine trouble fairly low over the sea. The aircraft was last seen going down near a Royal Navy aircraft carrier sailing between Skiatho and Skopelo islands, Greece, 35 miles south east of Volos Bay. The body of Flight Lieutenant Foskett was recovered and buried at sea.
References:
Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour On-Line Records (RAAF Casualty Information compiled by Alan Storr (409804))
Commonwealth War Graves Commission On-Line Records
Department of Veterans’ Affairs On-Line WWII Nominal Roll
National Archives of Australia On-Line Record A705, 166/14/297
Register of War Memorials in New South Wales On-Line