Bob Kershaw
Robert H. C. (Bob) Kershaw DSO DFC (died 6 May 1998) was a fighter pilot and later businessman of South Africa, notable as the first South African recipient of the Distinguished Service Order in World War II, for his daring rescue of downed squadron leader John Frost.
Robert HC Kershaw DSO DFC | |
|---|---|
 Bob Kershaw (centre) with John Frost (left) and Captain S v.B Theron (right) | |
| Nickname(s) | Bob |
| Died | 6 May 1998 |
| Service/ | South African Air Force |
| Rank | Major |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | |
Kershaw and Frost were flying Hawker Hurricanes in the No. 3 Squadron of the South African Air Force when they were sent to Kenya in early 1941 as part of a campaign against the Italians in Abyssinia. On 15 March, during an attack on Diredawa airfield, Frost's tank of glycol coolant was hit and he had to put his plane on the ground quickly before the overheating engine seized. Frost landed at a satellite airfield near Diredawa, and set his plane on fire to prevent its capture, but Kershaw had seen Frost go down and followed, putting his plane down on the same field.
Space in the Hurricane was tight, so Frost had to discard his parachute and sit in Bob's lap. With Bob working the rudder's foot pedals and Jack using the throttle and control stick, they were able to take off and return to base.
The rescue was a sensation in South Africa, Bob receiving an immediate DSO. His portrait was painted (it now hangs in the South African National War Museum), and the portrait was in turn adapted for a 1½-pence postage stamp issued in August 1942.[1]
Kershaw returned to flying, and eventually rose to the rank of Major. He flew the Supermarine Spitfire after they were delivered to the SAAF. Later he and his engineer would design the prototype twin payload bomb rack for the Spitfire, as it was ineffectual with a single payload. He was shot down and captured later. He received a Distinguished Flying Cross.
After the war he went into the automobile business in East London, becoming managing director of Grosvenor Ford. He later retired to Knysna, where he joined the commando wing of the SAAF, rising to the rank of commandant. He died in Knysna in 1998.
References
- Dispatch Online obituary, with photograph
- Dispatch letter with more detail
- South African Military History Society account of the action and rescue