title: Malcolm Osler
text: # Malcolm Osler
  
  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.
  
  ## Military career
  
  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. 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. 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.
  
  