Oliver Redgate

Oliver William Redgate, (23 November 1898 – 1929) was a British flying ace of the First World War, credited with 16 aerial victories.

Early life Redgate was born on 23 November 1898 in Nottingham, the son of Oliver Redgate, who played cricket for Nottinghamshire, and Annie Eveline (née Clarke). He had two sisters, Arleene Annie and Ida Eveline.

First World War Redgate entered the Royal Navy on 3 January 1917 as probationary flight officer for temporary service in the Royal Naval Air Service. After initial flight training he was granted Royal Aero Club Aviator's Certificate No. 4579 after soloing a Caudron biplane at the Royal Naval Air Station at Redcar, Yorkshire, on 30 March. and posted to No. 9 (Naval) Squadron in northern France to fly the Sopwith Camel single-seat fighter.

Redgate scored his first victory there on 25 July 1917, driving a German reconnaissance aircraft down out of control off Westende. Redgate then had to wait until 5 September before gaining his second victory. Two more followed that month, and three in October. On 13 December 1917 he was promoted to flight lieutenant, by which time his had gained two more victories, taking his total to nine. Redgate scored only once more, on 3 February 1918, during the next three months. and was transferred to the unemployed list on 17 October.

Post-war life Redgate settled in East Leake, along with his mother and sisters. He died of tuberculosis in 1929.