The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. R Little

Ronald Little was born in 1918 at Armathwaite, Cumberland, the son of Robert and Marian Ruth Little (nee Storey). However he is recorded on the Scottish War Memorial in Edinburgh Castle with a birthplace of Edinburgh.

His parents ran the Red Lion Hotel in the village. He attended Carlisle Grammar School and in August 1939 he joined the RAFVR as an Airman u/t Pilot.

Called up on 1st September 1939, Little completed his training and joined 238 Squadron when it reformed at Tangmere in May 1940. On 11th July Little shared a probable Me110 but on the 26th his Hurricane was damaged with bullets passing through his parachute and one shoe.

On 8th August he probably damaged a Do17 and on the 13th Little was himself shot down by a Me109 off Portland. He baled out into the sea, unhurt, and was rescued. His Hurricane crashed at Bredy Farm, Burton Bradstock.

On 15th September Little shared a Ju88 and damaged a He111 and on the 25th he shot down a He111. He was shot down into the sea by a Me110 on 28th September east of the Isle of Wight in Hurricane N2400.

He was reported 'Missing', aged 23. Little is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 16.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.