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CW Rainsford . British Army Royal Armoured Corps CW Rainsford served with the Royal Armoured Corps British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch. Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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Sgt. Guy H. Rainville . Royal Air Force 12 Squadron from Quebec My uncle Guy Rainville was in his mid twenties when he started training as a gunner in 1940. He was based in Binbrook. We have his log book and one story he told. The story was about him being suspended by his feet to unlock the landing gear.
He tells about firing his guns in the back turret to relieve tension as they were coned and flaked for twelve minutes and there was a riot on the intercom, starting with the young pilot screaming "Where am I?".
He flew first in the R for Robert plane, a Wellington that bore the letters PS. R was his initial and PS those of his fiancee, Peggy. He considered this lucky and it was.
He married Peggy between tours and sold Victory bonds. Back in England, he stayed clear of his regular watering hole, the bar at the Strand Hotel in London. But he continued to be a patron at his favorite restaurant, La Belle Meuniere.
He flew 19 missions on that second tour, the last four in different Lancasters. On his 49th mission, then, fate struck. The 50th mission is the last in a flying man career. You are given an earthbound job after that. Only ten to fifteen percent of aviators made it in WWII. My uncle does not say he was looking forward to it.
14th of January 1944. The M Lancaster was a new plane, not tested. Guy is Rear Gunner. The target is a German town in the industrial valley of the Ruhr. A night flight, as always. The log entry reads "Ops Brunswick - Missing. Pilot is F/Lt Wales.
Instruments faulty over the sea, No climb above 19000ft. Over target incendiary bomb dropped (friendly from above) on Johnny Aplin's head in astro hatch (astrodome) Fatally wounded. Burst of flak cut petrol line. Bombs dropped on target. Motor catching fire. Return, One hour from target Bale out 1st twenty kms West of Rheine. Two killed W/Op & Mid-Upper Gunner Hutchinson. Walked all night. Hid all day. Walked again next night. Gave self WP at farmhouse on outskirts of Rheine. Escape impossible." He asked the farmer for a glass of milk and to call the police. He spent the next sixteen months in a POW camp.
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Pfc. Richard M. Rairdon . US Army Co. C 314th Infantry Regiment from DeGraff, OH My father, Richard M. Rairdon, PFC., was captured in November of 1944 and spent much of the time he was a POW at Stalag 12A, Limburg. He was nearly starved to death and received a second Purple Heart for the damage he received to his feet as a result of the severe frost bite he also suffered. He also related to me the story of the Dec. 24, 1944 bombing which killed the officers in their barracks. He was assigned the next day, Christmas, to removing the remains of the dead officers. He also helped remove the only two who survived and carried them out. He was reunited with those two men in the 1990's after I recognized an account of this same story in the Catholic Digest, written by one of the men! Amazing coincidence that I found the story.
Dad was liberated on April 14, 1945 from prison camp by an American tank unit.
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Pfc. Richard Millner Rairdon . United States Army 314th Infantry Regiment from DeGraff, Ohio My father, Richard Rairdon, Pfc with the US Army was captured by the Germans in Nov. 1944 and was in Stalag IIIA until he was liberated on 14th of April 1945. He told of nearly starving to death, having his feet frozen, and of the filthy state he existed in. He had lice and was not given any opportunities to wash up.
During the Christmas season, on 23rd or 24th of December the Allies accidentally bombed the American officer's barracks, killing all but 2 of them. Dad was made to help evacuate the survivors, then to remove the dead who were in many pieces. It was a gruesome task.
He was made to work in the fields digging potatoes by hand, among other labor he was forced to perform.
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F/O. Edouard Raizenne . Royal Canadian Air Force 192 Squadron from Ottawa Flying Officer Edouard Raizenne flew with 192 Squadron. I am looking for imformation on him, and his missions. We know he made 40 missions.
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Pte. Bernard Rakeepile . South African Army Native Military Corps Bernard Rakeepile served with the Native Military Corps of the South African Army He was captured in the Desert campaign. He was previously in Camp 122. He survived the train wreck on the Orvieto North railway bridge at Allerona, Italy and was sent to Stalag 344 Lamsdorf, in Germany.
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Pte. John Ralfe . British Army The Buffs
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Capt. Leo Lucas Ralli . British Army Army Service Corps from Grosvenor Square, London (d.20th Apr 1917) Captain Leo Ralli was the Son of Sir Lucas E. Ralli, 1st Bart. of 2 Park St., Grosvenor Square, London.
He was 33 when he died of an illness and is buried in the Monaco Principality Cemetery in Monaco.
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Sgt. L. F. Ralls . Royal Air Force 605 Sqdn. My great uncle was Sgt L.F. Ralls, a Hurricane pilot with 605 Squadron. I wonder if anyone has any photographs of the squadron or planes, or interesting anecdotes about this squadron.
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HA Ralph . British Army HA Ralph served with the British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch. Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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JE Ralph . British Army Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry JE Ralph served with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch. Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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LC Ralph . British Army LC Ralph served with the British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch. Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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CRC Ralphs . British Army CRC Ralphs served with the British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch. Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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P/O I. Ralston . 102 Squadron
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Sgt. J. W. Ralston . 102 Squadron
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Cpl Thomas Ralston . British Army 2nd Btn. Durham Light Infantry from Clydebank
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Sepoy Bhandari Ram VC.. British Indian Army 16th Battalion 10th Baluch Regiment from Village Serunia, India Bhandari Ram was 25 years old, and a sepoy in the 16th Battalion 10th Baluch Regiment, British Indian Army fighting against the Japanese Army in the Burmese Campaign when he was awarded the VC:
"On 22 November 1944, in East Mayu, Arakan, during a company attack on a strongly held Japanese bunkered position, No. 24782 Sepoy Bhandari Ram was in the leading section of one of the platoons. To reach its objective, his platoon had to climb a precipitous slope, by way of a narrow ridge with sheer sides. When fifty yards from the top, the platoon came under heavy and accurate machine-gun fire. Three men were wounded, amongst them Sepoy Bhandari Ram, who received a burst in his left shoulder and a wound in his leg. The platoon was pinned down by the intense enemy fire. Bhandari Ram then crawled up to the Japanese machine-gun, whilst in full view of the enemy, and approached to within fifteen yards of the enemy, who hurled grenades at him, wounding him in the face and chest. Undeterred and severely wounded, this sepoy, with superhuman courage and determination, crawled up to within five yards of his objective. He then threw a grenade into the position, killing the enemy gunner and two other men, and continued his crawl to the post. Inspired by his example, the platoon rushed up and captured the position. It was only after the position had been taken that he lay down and allowed his wounds to be dressed. By his cool courage, determination to destroy the enemy at all cost and total disregard for his personal safety, this young sepoy enabled his platoon to capture what he knew to be the key to the whole enemy position. For his outstanding bravery, selflessness and qualities beyond the call of duty, Sepoy Bhandari Ram was awarded the Victoria Cross."
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CHM. Chhelu Ram VC.. British Indian Army 4th Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles from India (d.20th April 1943) Chhelu Ram was 37 years old, and a Company Havildar-Major in the 4/6th Rajputana Rifles when he was awarded the VC.
"On the night of 19/20 April 1943 at Djebel Garci, Tunisia, the advance of a battalion of the 5th Indian Infantry Brigade was held up by machine-gun and mortar fire. Company Havildar-Major Chhelu Ram dashed forward with a tommy-gun and killed the occupants of a post and then went to the aid of his company commander who had become a casualty. While doing so he was himself wounded, but taking command of the company, he led them in hand-to-hand fighting. He was again wounded, but continued rallying his men until he died."
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Sepoy Kamal Ram VC. British Indian Army 8th Punjab Regiment from Bholupura Bindapura, Karauli, Rajasthan, India Sepoy Kamal Ram was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation reads as follows:
The War Office, 27 July 1944.
"The King has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the Victoria Cross to No. 35408 Sepoy Kamal Ram, 8th Punjab Regiment, Indian Army.
In Italy, on 12 May 1944, after crossing the River Gari overnight, the Company advance was held up by heavy machine-gun fire from four posts on the front and flanks. As the capture of the position was essential to secure the bridgehead, the Company Commander called for a volunteer to get round the rear of the right post and silence it. Volunteering at once and crawling forward through the wire to a flank, Sepoy Kamal Ram attacked the post single handed and shot the first machine-gunner; a second German tried, to seize his weapon but Sepoy Kamal Ram killed him with the bayonet, and then shot a German officer who, appearing from the trench with his pistol, was about to fire. Sepoy Kamal Ram, still alone, at once went on to attack the second machine-gun post which was continuing to hold up the advance, and after shooting one machine-gunner, he threw a grenade and the remaining enemy surrendered. Seeing a Havildar making a reconnaissance for an attack on the third post, Sepoy Kamal Ram joined him, and, having first covered his companion, went in and completed the destruction of this post. By his courage, initiative and disregard for personal risk, Sepoy Kamal Ram enabled his Company to charge and secure the ground vital to the establishment of the bridgehead and the completion of work on two bridges. When a platoon, pushed further forward to widen the position, was fired on from a house, Sepoy Kamal Ram, dashing towards the house, shot one German in a slit trench and captured two more. His sustained and outstanding bravery unquestionably saved a difficult situation at a critical period of the battle and enabled his Battalion to attain the essential part of their objective."
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Sbdr. Richhpal Ram VC.. British Indian Army 4th Battalion 6th Rajputana Rifles from India (d.12th Feb 1941) Richhpal Ram enrolled on the 20 August 1920 in 4/6th Rajputana Rifles.
He was 41 years old, and a Subedar when he was awarded the VC.
The official citation for the award, published in the London Gazette on 4 July 1941 reads:
"The King has been graciously pleased to approve of the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross to the undermentioned:
Subadar Richpal Ram, 6th Rajputana Rifles, Indian Army.
During the assault on enemy positions in front of Keren, Eritrea, on the night of 7-8th February, 1941, Subadar Richpal Ram, who was second-in-command of a leading company, insisted on accompanying the forward platoon and led its attack on the first objective with great dash and gallantry. His company commander being then wounded, he assumed command of the company, and led the attack of the remaining two platoons to the final objective. In face of heavy fire, some thirty men with this officer at their head rushed the objective with the bayonet and captured it. The party was completely isolated, but under the inspiring leadership of Subadar Richpal Ram, it beat back six enemy counter-attacks between midnight and 0430 hours. By now, ammunition had run out, and this officer extricated his command and fought his way back to his battalion with a handful of survivors through the surrounding enemy.
Again, in the attack on the same position on 12th February, this officer led the attack of his company. He pressed on fearlessly and determinedly in the face of heavy and accurate fire, and by his personal example inspired his company with his resolute spirit until his right foot was blown off. He then suffered further wounds from which he died. While lying wounded he continued to wave his men on, and his final words were 'We'll capture the objective'. The heroism, determination and devotion to duty shown by this officer were beyond praise, and provided an inspiration to all who saw him."
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Gnr. Robert Ramage . British Army Royal Artillery
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WO2 G. H. Ramey . Royal Canadian Air Force 57 Squadron RAF (d.10th December 1942) My father, WO2 G. H. Ramey, was a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving in 57 Squadron, based at RAF Scampton. He was killed on 10th December 1942 when his damaged Lancaster W4250 crashed while attempting to land at Woodhall Spa after returning from a sortie to Turin. I would like to contact anyone who was in 57 Squadron at that time.
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P/O. Lyman Phillip "Lady Killer" Ramey . Royal Canadian Air Force 433 (Porcupine) Squadron from Cobalt, Ontario (d.21st Nov 1944) My uncle Lyman Ramey, was killed in action on a night raid on 21st November 1944. He was a wireless operator/air gunner. He was shot down by a German Ace in a nightfighter (dual prop fighter). Lyman was 21 years old. Letters to home said he wouldn't have missed it for the world.
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Gnr. William George Rampton . British Army Royal Artillery from London My father, William Rampton, never talked about life in the camp. He died in 1983, but I would like to know more.
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Spr. Albert Marshall Ramsay . British Army 663 Artisan Works Company Royal Engineers (d.17th Jun 1940) Albert Ramsay of 663 Artisan Works Company, Royal Engineers lost his life in the sinking of the Lancastria.
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DA Ramsay . British Army Royal Armoured Corps DA Ramsay served with the Royal Armoured Corps British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch. Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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Harold Ramsay . Royal Air Force 51 Squadron from Upholland Moor Harold Ramsay served with Bomber Command in 51 Squadron The survivors of this brutal offensive all suffered terribly all their scarred long days. My Dad was a beautiful creature, a teacher who held all life precious. The terrible treatment of these young, all ways the brightest, is shameful. Only the dead are honoured with monuments in GB, they have waited until all are dead.. my Dad died in 2011. Thank the heavens he missed the pompous revolting ceremonies. These men were silenced. An enormous part of history is lost. Only top brass and posh appointed heroes have appeared in all the docs. The movie A matter of life and death, says more than they ever were allowed to.. alone and dealing with trauma. We have a very bent history.. the propaganda burns brighter than ever. These men were forced by law to do this unforgiveable damage.. today's mercenary boys get called heroes.. which scars them. Where are there men brave enough to tell the truth? Keeping cautionary truths away from those who are to be scarred for life is a criminal sociopathic process.. and should cease, end now.
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F/Sgt. Ian Grant Ramsay . Royal New Zealand Air Force 15 Sqdn. from Southland, NZ (d.31st July 1943) F/Sgt Ramsay served with 15 Squadron. His Stirling bomber EF428 LS-N, took off from Mildenhall at 22.46 hours for operations to Remscheid. The aircraft crashed at Kleinbroich, 9km east of Monchengladbach. All the crew except for F/Lt Dillicar, who is buried in Rheinburg War Cemetery, have no known graves and are commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial. The full crew were:
Sgt A.V.E. Cobby
F/Lt J.C. Dillicar, pilot
F/O B.L. Jackson
Sgt G.H. Beck
F/Sgt I.G. Ramsay
Sgt P.K. Middleton
Sgt A.J. Gibbons
Lt A.R. Ingle
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J Ramsay . British Army J Ramsay served with the British Army. I have his unissued dogtags, made in preparation for deployment to the Far East and would love to get them home to his family. I am happy to cover all costs. If you are a family member or can put me in touch with them please get in touch. Update: Unfortunately The Wartime Memories Project has lost touch with Dan, his website, facebook page and email have all ceased to function. But if you can add any details about the person listed, please use the add to record link below.
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WO. James "Moffat" Ramsay . British Army from Glasgow My father James Ramsay was called up at the beginning of the war. He had to report to Govan Town hall. He was an apprentice mechanic, at that time an apprentice lasted 7 years.
They were marched in a column to Buchannan Street Station, loaded onto a train for a 14 hour journey to Fort George. A place he hated. He then joined the BEF in France. I am not sure if he fought alongside the French armour not.
He told me that an officer came to where they were and told them that Dunkirk was over that the French had or were surrendering and they were on their own. The officer then drove off. My dad and his comrades then made their way eventually to Cherborg, I think using dad's mechanical knowledge. Dad was on the last boat out of Cherborg.
He tells of not paying for the cinema or buying a drink. A story I have also heard from other Dunkirk rearguard. He spent some of his time fixing cars for officers and locals. He was spotted by his boss from Glasgow and told about REME. He transfer to Spennymore where I think he finished his apprenticeship. He ended being an articifer going round home guard in the N.E. England.
I am not sure when but he was sent to Italy something he didn't talk about. He was at Casino. He did say there about Indian soldiers getting caught in daylight and the only cover being their own dead comrades.
He was eventually discharged from Naples, a place he hated.
He found his medals when clearing his mother's house after her death, he
had never applied for them.
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