Ronald Lindsey (1920-1943) [1065996, Warrant Officer, 46 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve] ✓
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My late father, ex-Flt Bryan Wild flew alongside Ronald Lindsey in 46 Squadron in North Africa in 1943. He was flying in formation with him when Ronald Lindsey was killed in action, hit by M109 over the Aegean. My dad’s memoirs (which I compiled and edited after his death) were published by Fonthill Media in 2014 and one chapter deals in detail with the sortie in which Ronald Lindsey and his Radio Operator, Alfred Gardner, were shot down and killed. Out of four beaufighters from 46 Squadron, only two returned safely to base in Cyprus; my dad flew one of them, but his tent mate and is R/O were also lost that day and it affected my father deeply. Dad wanted all those of his friends and colleagues who lost their lives in the war to be remembered, and that’s why all these years after publishing his book, I am still trying to trace relatives of those he mentioned who did not survive the war, and where that is not possible, to contact communities where there may be a war memorial to them so that they can perhaps be commemorated in that way.
If anyone is interested I can supply lots of information about this sortie. My father didn’t know Lindsey well, so I can’t provide any further information about his service. But it would be wonderful if the story of his sacrifice could be known in the area where he grew up. If anyone can put me in touch with living relatives who may be interested to learn about him, that would be the icing on the cake.
Many thanks for posting this Elizabeth. I’ll try and get Ronald’s page added to the site in the coming days.
This article from 1948 about Oakes Baptist Church mentions him:
There was a large congregation on Sunday evening when a corner of the Oakes Baptist Church was dedicated to the memory of Raymond Collier, Ivor Ellis, Ronald Lindsey, Duncan Noble, Norman Ramsden and Thomas White, former members of the school and church who lost their lives in the Second World War. The memorial plaque was unveiled by Mr. Clifford Whiteley, and the corner was dedicated by a former pastor, the Rev. B. F. Savill, now of Stretford, who also conducted the service. Douglas Haigh presented a wreath on behalf of the Youth Club. Mr. L. A. Grindrod conducted the choir, who sang special music, and Mr. A. Webster was at the organ.
I’ve added an initial page to the site for Ronald:
In terms of relatives, Ronald’s only sibling appears to have been his brother Harry (born 12 October 1922) who continued to live in the family home at 87 Syringa Street, Marsh, and died in 16 January 1982. He didn’t marry:
LINDSEY. On January 16, in hospital, Harry, aged 59 years, of 87 Syringa Street, Marsh, the dearly loved son of the late Herbert and Nellie Lindsey, and dear brother of the late Ronald. Cortege leaves the Highfield Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 26, at 11am for service and cremation at Park Wood Crematorium, Elland, at 11.20am. Will friends please accept this (the only) intimation. Family flowers only, please. Donations in lieu, if desired, may be sent to the Huddersfield Hospice Appeal Fund, c/o Mr A Galvin, 74 Greenfield Avenue, Oakes.
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