Anderson, R W (Ronald Walker)
Anderson, R W (Ronald Walker)
Sergeant (Pilot) Ronald Walker Anderson was the son of Robert Walker Anderson and Helen Dawson Anderson, of Dartford, Kent.
On the 5th of May 1943 a Wellington bomber,[1] number: LB241, nicknamed “The Preston Kite” of 7 O.T.U.[2] took off from Limavady airfield to take part in an operational training exercise. It was a very sluggish take off and not long after it was airborne it suddenly dived, out of control towards the ground, towards Drenagh Estate, close by the airfield. The bomber was completely out of control and smashed into the ground, bursting immediately into flames.
Six men lost their lives at that moment, along with Sergeant Ronald Walker Anderson was Sergeant Roland William Dupen (Wireless Op./Air Gunner) aged 21,[3] Sergeant John Oswald Eaves (Navigator), aged 22,[4] Sergeant Thomas Holden (who was the pilot), aged 20,[5] Sergeant Angus MacIntosh (Wireless Op./Air Gunner), aged 22,[6] and Sergeant Hector Raymond Alfred Newman (Wireless Op./Air Gunner), aged 20. One man survived, although seriously wounded. His fate is presently unknown.
Date of Death: 05/05/1943 (Aged 21)
Service: Sergeant (Pilot), Royal Air Force
Service Number: 658356
Burial Location: Grave 13.
[1] The Vickers Wellington was a twin engines long range bomber, that made its maiden flight during June 1936, finally going into service during October 1938.
[2] 7 O.T.U. is 7th Operational Training Unit.
[3] Sergeant Roland William Dupen (service number 1335043) aged 21, was the son of William James Dupen, and of Louisa Maria Dupen, of Lancing. He was laid to rest in Lancing (ST. James the Less) Churchyard, Sussex, England.
[4] Sergeant John Oswald Eaves (service number 1052566), aged 22, was the son of Joseph Richard and Margaret Eaves, of Bamber Bridge. He was laid to rest in Brownedge (ST. Mary) Roman Catholic Churchyard, Lancashire, England.
[5] Sergeant Thomas Holden (service number 1437961), aged 20, was the son of George and Catherine Holden, of Deepdale, Preston. He was laid to rest Preston (New Hall Lane) Cemetery, Lancashire, England.
[6] Sergeant Angus MacIntosh (service number 1342558), aged 22, was the son of Margaret Mary MacIntosh, of Corpach. He was laid to rest in Oban (Pennyfuir) Cemetery, Argyllshire, Scotland.
