The Airmen's Stories - Sgt. J W Ramshaw

John William Ramshaw was born on 26th April 1916 in Beverley, Yorkshire, the son of Harry Lee Ramshaw (1891-1957) and Louisa Ramshaw (nee Russell 1893-1970).

He was educated at the grammar school in Beverley. In 1934 he began work as a clerk with the Halifax Building Society.

He took private flying lessons and was awarded Aero Certificate 16928 at Hull Aero Club on 15th January 1939.

Above: his Aero Certificate ID photograph.

Ramshaw joined the RAFVR in April 1937 as an Airman u/t Pilot. Called up on 1st September 1939, he completed his training and arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down on 6th April 1940. After converting to Hurricanes he was posted to 222 Squadron at Digby on 6th May.

He crashed at Mockbeggar Farm, Collier Street near Yalding on 4th September after being shot down by Me109s in Spitfire K9962. Severely injured, Ramshaw was taken to West Kent Hospital, Maidstone but was dead on arrival.

He was 24 and is buried in Queensgate Cemetery, Beverley.

Below: Ramshaw is commemorated on his school war memorial, as is Sgt. L Pidd, killed on 15th September serving with 17 Squadron.