Bobby Oxspring and Sheep Gilroy
 

I read somewhere that Bobby Oxspring was removed from command of 72 Squadron by Sheep Gilroy in April 1943 when he was became unwell before a mission. Gilroy wanted him court-martialed. Can anyone confirm this (I have lost the reference). Oxspring had been on operations for two years so it wasn't surprising. Tony Bartley had suffered a similar breakdown in January 1943.

regards

Keith

Re: Bobby Oxspring and Sheep Gilroy
 

All it says in 'Spitfire Command' is he vomited before a mission due to a diet of cigarettes and "hot greased bully" which was witnessed by the Sqn Dr who sent him to hospital as it transpire he had enteritis. Whilst there he was told he was tourex.

Re: Bobby Oxspring and Sheep Gilroy
 

Yep, got that. But I definitely read somewhere that Gilroy had been angry, believed Oxspring had got a case of cold feet and intended to send him to be court-martialed. It appears the Doctors diagnosis would have headed this off. Given Oxsprings length of service it seemed harsh but then Gilroy had much the same operational tour and may have feared a loss of morale?