RAF 1943 174 Squadron Hawker Typhoons Casualty Medals.

RAF 1943 174 Squadron Hawker Typhoons Casualty Medals.

Awarded to Flying Officer Ronald William Wheeler who was lost on a Ramrod operation November 1943

Comprising:

1939/45 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Defence Medal, War Medal. This contained in wax paper packets with ribbons.

Forwarding condolence slip typed name Flying Officer R W Wheeler

Air Ministry Forwarding Box.

Flying Officer Ronald William Wheeler enlisted at Oxford after November 1940 volunteering for pilot training. Qualifying on the Hawker Typhoon fighter aircraft he was posted to 174 Squadron based at RAF Westhampnett, Sussex. On the 19th November 1943 along with 7 other pilots he was briefed for an escort Ramrod operation to Beaumont Le Hoover. Shortly after crossing the French coast Wheeler reported he was having trouble with his aircraft and was turning back. Shortly after leaving the French coast about 20 miles north of Caen he sent his last message he was having to bale out. His body was never recovered and is commemorated on the RAF Runnymede Memorial.