http://www.virtualpilots.fi/feature/photoreports/bobfoster2004/Aviation Museum Society, Finland arranged again a visit by a foreign veteran pilot to Finland. Thanks to the Society, the British gentleman Wing Commander Robert W. Foster, DFC, AE, gave two lectures, first at Tikkakoski, second at Vantaa.
Wing Commander Foster was born in year 1920. He saw the clouds of war rising over the Europe, and decided to join the Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve in January 1939. Mr. Foster described, that he didn't want to go to the trenches, but while the death in the sky was still possible, it was at least a more glorious way to go.
He flew a Hurricane fighter in the Battle of Britain and was a pilot trainer after that, processing some 100 pilots. He was then transferred to the 54th Squadron, who flew the Spitfire fighter, and in 1942 was sent as reinforcements to Australia. Located at Darwin mr. Foster fought against the Japanese. FInishing his 2nd tour mr. Foster then joined the Normandy invasion in ground duties.
In the war mr. Foster was credited with 9 aerial victories and he retired from RAF in 1947.
