The Airmen's Stories - F/Lt. P Ruston

Paul Ruston was born on 6th September 1912 in Bournemouth and commissioned in the RAF Reserve in January 1934 before joining 503 (Special Reserve) Squadron at Waddington.

Flying a Handley Page Hinaidi in late 1934, Ruston reached an altitude of 18,500 feet.

On 16th September 1935 Ruston relinquished his RAFR commission on being granted an RAF short service commission. On 7th October he was posted to 215 Squadron at Worthy Down, operating Vickers Virginias.

He joined the staff of 604 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force on 13th August 1936 going on to the instructing staff at 9 FTS Hullavington on 16th August 1937.

Ruston was posted to 604 Squadron at Gravesend on 10th July 1940. He arrived at 5 OTU Aston Down on attachment on the 10th. After converting to Blenheims he rejoined the squadron on 6th August.

He was posted from 604 and joined HQ 10 Group on 9th January 1941.

Ruston was released from the RAF in 1945 as a Wing Commander.

He died on 11th January 1954.