The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R J Gouldstone

Ronald Joseph Gouldstone of Ryarsh, Kent, was born in 1921 in Malling, Kent, the son of Frederick James and Lilian Gouldstone.

He joined 500 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force before the war as an Aircrafthand. Called up on 24th August 1939, he later applied for aircrew duties and remustered as an Airman u/t Air Gunner.

After completing his training, he joined 29 Squadron at Digby on 7th August 1940.

He was a member of the crew of Blenheim L1330 which crashed into the sea on 26th August, possibly shot down in combat over Wainfleet. All three men on board were lost, Gouldstone, Pilot Officer RA Rhodes and AC2 N Jacobson.

Gouldstone's body was washed ashore at Gibraltar Point, Skegness on September 5th.

He was 19 and is buried in St Martin's churchyard, Ryarsh.

Above image courtesy of Les Highton.