The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R A Ward

Rufus Arthur Ward was born in Croydon on February 2nd 1917 and educated at Stanley Technical School and also trained as an aircraft engineer. He joined the AuxAF on March 3rd 1936 and transferred to the RAFVR in September 1937 as a Airman u/t Pilot.

Called to full-time service at the outbreak of war, Ward was awarded his flying badge on May 20th 1940. He completed his training, converted to Spitfires and joined 19 Squadron at Fowlmere in August 1940. He was then posted to 616 Squadron at Kenley on September 5th and moved to 66 Squadron at Gravesend on the 29th.

Over North Kent on October 8th 1940 Ward was shot down and killed by Me109’s. His Spitfire, N3043, crashed near Valley View Road, Borstal, near Rochester.

Ward is buried in Mitcham Road Cemetery, Croydon.