Educated at Nelson College.

Boxer's father died when he was nine years old, and although he held a series of jobs to assist his family, he somehow found the time and money to take flying lessons.

Son of Dr Ernest Augustus Boxer (3/150) and Ruth Ida Dobree Boxer.

He left for England and joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1938, gained a permanent commission in 1939, and was given the post of Flying Instructor with Training Command. He served as Flying Instructor from 1939 to 1942.

In 1942, he was transferred to an operational unit, 161 Squadron, RAF as a Flight Commander.

He then transferred to 138 Squadron as Flight Commander.

In 1943, he transferred back to 161 Squadron as a Wing Commander and Officer Commanding (OC) of the squadron.

In September 1943, Boxer was posted to the Directorate of Intelligence (Research).

In February 1945, he transferred to Headquarters, Bomber Command.

In March 1946, he transferred to the Directorate of Intelligence, Operations.

In 1949, he took part in an exchange program with the United States Air Force (USAF), serving with 92 Bombardment Wing, USAF, 1949-50.

He served in Korea with the USAF.

In 1952, he served with the Central Fighter Establishment.

In 1954, he was one of the Directing Staff at the RAF Staff College.

OC of 7 Squadron, RAF, 1956-58.

OC of RAF Wittering, 1958-59

Promoted to Air Vice-Marshal in 1966.

Served as Defence Services Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MOD), UK, 1967-70.

Retired in July 1970. AWMM