Ronald, formerly an electrical wireman, enlisted in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and was posted to No. 605 Squadron, serving with the 6605 Servicing Echelon. Based at RAF Manston, the squadron flew de Havilland Mosquito fighter-bombers and, by June 1944, was heavily engaged in operations supporting the D-Day invasion and countering the first V1 “flying bomb” attacks launched against London.
On 13 June 1944, a terrible accident occurred at Manston. While bombs were being loaded onto Mosquito ‘Z’, the aircraft suddenly exploded. Three members of the 6605 Servicing Echelon, including Ronald, were killed instantly, and several others – including a flight lieutenant – were injured in the blast.
Ronald lies buried in Margate Cemetery, Kent.
