The Airmen's Stories - P/O R Atkinson

Ronald Atkinson, from Gillingham, Kent, was born on 6th November 1920 at Sheerness, the son of Gilbert Atkinson (1890-??) and Florence Elizabeth Atkinson (nee Godfrey 1894-1982).

He was awarded Aero certificate 19771 on 23rd August 1939 by the Civil Service Flying Association, he being recorded as a civil servant (his ID photo below).

joined the RAFVR in February 1939 as an Airman u/t Pilot. He was called up in September, completed his training and was commissioned in May 1940. He then joined 242 Squadron at Biggin Hill.

He was serving with 242 Squadron when it went to Chateaudun on 8th June to cover the rearguard actions being fought by the Army on its retreat to the Atlantic coast. The squadron was withdrawn to Coltishall on 16th June.

Atkinson was posted to 600 Squadron at Manston on 10th August 1940 but a few days later moved to 111 Squadron at Debden. He was then posted to 213 Squadron at Tangmere on 19th September. He claimed a Me109 destroyed on the 30th.

Atkinson was killed aged 19 on 17th October 1940 when he was shot down by Me109s in Hurricane P3174, which crashed at Weeks Farm, near Pluckley.

He is buried in Woodlands Cemetery, Gillingham.

(Above images courtesy of Dean Sumner).