No.1724979, Leading Aircraftman, Ronald Grayham BALDRY
Aged 21
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Born in 2nd qtr 1923 Bury St.Edmunds 4a:1863, son of Herbert S K and Olive May BALDRY (née CHURCHARD) later of 40 Abbeygate Street, Bury St.Edmunds
He was a passenger on board Douglas Dakota KG630 which was ferrying personnel and kit from UK to the Continent. Based at RAF Broadwell, it called at RAF Thorney Island to pick up men and equipment of 140 Wing to ferry to a base in France at Rosieres-en-Santerre. Taking off at 9:30 am, 2 Dakotas set off but only one arrived in France. KG630 hit the side of a hill 500 feet above sea level near Folkington near Beachy Head, tearing off one wing, catching fire on impact. Local farm workers were unable to put out the fire and most of the bodies were unidentifiable. The crew were 1st pilot Warrant Officer PM Oleinikoff (RAAF) 2nd pilot F/Sgt EA Barsby RAAF, navigator F/Off KG Forseth RCAF and W/Op F/Sgt RA Brock RCAF. Of the passangers, P.Off Rattray was buried at Newmonthill, Forfsr and LAC Nerden at East Ham Jewish Cemetery. The rest are all buried at Brookwood. |
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click here to go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website for full cemetery/memorial details |
