Last month, the whole country came together to acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who went to war, and Kings Langley too has its own heroes to remember.
Among them is Lieutenant Alan Rice-Oxley, a man who had a big role to play in the safety of the country during the First World War.
Born in Kings Langley on July 1, 1896, and educated at Watford Grammar School for Boys, Alan grew from a spirited village boy into one of Britain’s most daring First World War flying aces.
Having achieved an astonishing feat in the deadly skies of the Western Front, he was credited with six aerial victories by 1918, aged just 22.
His Distinguished Flying Cross citation tells a story of sheer heroism: “In company with another machine, this officer attacked an enemy formation of 15 aeroplanes, and promptly destroyed two of them… The gallantry displayed by this officer, and that of his companion, Capt. C. E. Howell, in attacking 15 machines, was of the very highest order.”
After the war, Lieutenant Rice-Oxley returned to quieter times, but his courage remains a beacon.
He passed away in 1961 at age 65, but is remembered as a local Kings Langley boy who faced overwhelming odds and flew with fearless honour for his country.
Kings Langley also has a Victoria Cross winner, Christopher Cox, 1889 – 1959.