Oscar Herreros
Oscar Herreros Walker (born 12 November 1897) was a Chilean Air Force officer who served as Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force (FACh) from 1946 to 1947.
During his military career, he held several senior administrative and operational positions, including director of the Aviation School, commander of El Bosque Air Base and head of the Chilean Air Mission in the United States.
Early life
Herreros was born in La Serena, Chile, on 12 November 1897, the son of Estanislao Herreros and Isabel Walker Saavedra. He attended the Liceo de La Serena before entering the Chilean Military School, where he began his military education.
In 1921, he joined the aviation officer corps. He subsequently undertook advanced aviation training in the United States and the United Kingdom and completed further professional studies at the Air War Academy.
Air Force career
During his military career, Herreros served as director of the Aviation School, commander of El Bosque Air Base and director of services. These appointments involved responsibilities for aviation training, air base administration and institutional operations.
Between 1944 and 1946, he headed the Chilean Air Mission in the United States, representing the Chilean Air Force in matters related to military aviation cooperation.
Herreros also served as president of the board of the National Aeronautical Enterprise, an organisation associated with the administration and development of aviation services in Chile.
Commander-in-Chief
In 1946, Herreros was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force, succeeding General Manuel Tovarías. He held the position until 1947, when he was succeeded by General Aurelio Celedón.
Following his period as commander-in-chief, Herreros retired from active military service in 1948.
Publications
Herreros authored and translated several works concerning military aviation, including:
- Manual de Bombardeo (1932), translation.
- La aviación de observación (1933).
- La Fuerza Aérea: Sus principios, sus medios y su empleo (1937).
Personal life
Herreros married Tila Pardo Cruchaga. Their son, Alberto Herreros Pardo, also pursued a military career.