The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. H R Main

Hedley Ronald Main was born on 21st May 1920 in Southsea, the son of Edward Sidney Main (1883-1960) and May Main (nee Jarman 1888-1971).

The family later moved to Croydon and he was educated at St. Joseph's College there, on leaving he was employed by Lloyds Marine Insurance.

However in the 1939 Census he is registered with his parents in Petersfield, Hampshire. Presumably his father, an area manager employed by Ambrosia Dried Foods, moved regularly with his employment.

Main joined the RAFVR about June 1939 as an Airman u/t Aircrew. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and joined 25 Squadron at Martlesham Heath in August 1940 as an Air Gunner.

He was killed on 27th August 1941 as a Flight Sergeant with 109 Squadron. This unit was flying in Ansons and Wellingtons from Boscombe Down, developing radio counter-measures and radar aids.

Anson W1708 came down in the sea, cause unknown, off Lyme Regis.

Also lost were:

F/Sgt. EW Berriedale-Johnson
F/Sgt. B Yeadon DFM
Sgt. H Tweedie.

What is extraordinary is that his family appears to have moved yet again, this time to a location close to the crash site (below).

Main is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, panel 37.

Above image courtesy of Dean Sumner.