Thomas, Ronald
Personal Information
Rank | Sgt |
Forename(s) | Ronald |
Surname | Thomas |
Gender | M |
Age | 20 |
Decorations | |
Date of Death | 25-03-1944 |
Next of Kin | Son of Herbert and Emily Thomas, of Chippenham. |
Aircraft Information
Aircraft | Avro Lancaster III |
Serial Number | ND572 |
Markings | PM-M |
Memorial Information
Burial/Memorial Country | United Kingdom |
Burial/Memorial Place | Chippenham (London Road) Cemetery |
Grave Reference | Uncon. Grave 429. |
Epitaph | UNTIL THE DAY BREAK |
IBCC Memorial Information
Phase | 1 |
Panel Number | 106 |
Enlistment Information
Service Number | 1586842 |
Service | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
Group | 1 |
Squadron | 103 |
Trade | Air Gunner |
Country of Origin | United Kingdom |
Other Memorials
Location | Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre, East Kirkby, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Metal Plaque |
Memorial Text | A memorial to F/Sgt. A. Henderson & Sgt. R.C. Banks and the crews of Lancasters ND572 (57 Sqn.) & ME473 (207 Sqn.) |
Location | All Saints Church, Elsham, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Tablet |
Memorial Text | Dedicated to all who served at RAF Elsham Wolds on 103 7 576 Squadrons 1941-45 |
Location | Anglian Water Treatment Works, Elsham Wolds, Lincolnshire |
Country | United Kingdom |
Memorial Type | Inscribed Stone Pillar & Plaques |
Memorial Text | Pillar : RAF Elsham Wolds, 1941-1945, For those who made the great sacrifice. Plaque :This tree is dedicated to all those who served with 103 Squadron Royal Air Force. Plaque : RAF Elsham Wolds, Opened in Summer 1941 as a bomber station in No1 group, it w |
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The National Archives
Record of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/816/6 |
Summary of Events (Operational Record Book) AIR 27/816/5 |
Fellow Servicemen
Last Operation Information
Start Date | 24-03-1944 |
End Date | 25-03-1944 |
Takeoff Station | Elsham Wolds |
Day/Night Raid | Night (1% moon) |
Operation | Berlin |
Reason for Loss | Attacked by an Fw 190 fighter killing Sgt Thomas. Although badly damaged, the aircraft managed to return to RAF Dunsfold, Surrey. During the emergency landing it collided with a B-17G Flying Fortress 'Passionate Witch' of the 452nd Bomb Group, USAAF. Five of the crew members were to receive gallantry awards. |