Original Signed Limited Edition Print: Framed “Angels Three Zero” by Robert Taylor Signed by Bobby Oxspring, DFC - NO GLASS - 23 x 28” - 180/990

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a signed print of “Angels Three Zero” by Robert Taylor, signed at the bottom by Bobby Oxspring, a Royal Air Force officer and flying ace of the Second World War. Flying throughout the Battle of Britain, Oxspring was promoted to flying officer on 3 September 1940, and on 25 October was shot down in Spitfire X4170 near Capel, Kent. Known as one of the battle's great aces, he was one of the fraction of The Few selected by Fighter Command to have a portrait drawn by Cuthbert Orde, sitting for it on 9 December 1940. The frame is well-put together and the print is very clear, but the glass is missing. This is a limited run print, 180/990. This and many other prints were published by The Military Gallery in Wendover England over the past 20+ years.

Each print in the edition is individually signed by Oxspring. Despite not having glass, the print is still clear, and it should display fine. Comes ready for further research and display.

On 8 November 1940 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). The citation read:

One day in September, 1940, Flight Lieutenant Oxspring was engaged on an offensive patrol with his squadron. Whilst acting as rear guard, he sighted and engaged several Messerschmitt Bf 109's 3,000 feet above. After driving them off, he led his section in an attack against a large formation of enemy bombers and succeeded in destroying a Dornier 17 at short range and also in damaging two Heinkel III's. He has at all times led his section with skill and determination, and has destroyed six enemy aircraft.

Promoted to flight lieutenant (war substantive) on 3 September 1941, he became flight commander in No. 41 Squadron RAF, and went on to command No. 91 Squadron RAF at RAF Hawkinge, No. 222 Squadron RAF and No. 24 Wing.

He was awarded a Bar to his DFC on 18 September 1942, with the citation:

This squadron commander has rendered much valuable service. His skill, whether in attacks on the enemy's ground targets and shipping or in air combat, has been of a high order. He has destroyed at least 7 enemy aircraft.

Moving to Mediterranean combat, it is thought probable that Oxspring was the pilot who shot down renowned German ace Anton Hafner of JG 51 on 2 January 1943.

Having led his squadron to be the highest scoring in the North African theatre, and survived his second shooting down of the war, Oxspring was awarded a second Bar to his DFC in February 1943, with the citation reading:

During initial operations from forward airfields in North Africa Squadron Leader Oxspring led his formation on many sorties. He destroyed one enemy aircraft, bringing his total victories to 8. His outstanding devotion to duty and fine fighting qualities have been worthy of high praise.

On 1 January 1944 he was promoted to temporary squadron leader, and was promoted to squadron leader (war substantive) on 15 June 1944. The rank he held when the conflict ceased in 1945.