Convert folder text date to numeric date

I have a bunch of folders named in text date format e.g "4 October 2002" "12 May 2002" I want to convert them to any numeric date format 4/10/2002 , 12052002 or similar.
Is there a generic rule to do this sort of conversion or some examples as I am not sure the best way to do this
thanks
Is there a generic rule to do this sort of conversion or some examples as I am not sure the best way to do this
thanks