Ronald Gustave Kellett
| Ronald Gustave Kellett | |
|---|---|
| Born |
13 September 1909 Eldon, County Durham |
| Died | 1998 |
| Allegiance |
 United Kingdom |
| Service/branch |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1933–1953 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Commands held |
No. 615 Squadron RAF (1946–48) RAF North Weald (1941) No. 96 Squadron RAF (1940–41) No. 303 Squadron RAF (1940) No. 249 Squadron RAF (1940) |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Distinguished Service Order[1] Distinguished Flying Cross[2] Air Efficiency Award Mentioned in Despatches Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari (Poland) |
Wing Commander Ronald Gustave Kellett DSO, DFC, AE (13 September 1909 – 1998) was a Royal Air Force flying ace of the Second World War.
Early life
Kellett was born in Eldon, County Durham, on 13 September 1909 and educated at Rossall School.
Royal Air Force
He joined No. 600 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force[3] in 1933. He was later to serve with No. 616 Squadron RAF.
During the Battle of Britain he flew with No. 249 Squadron RAF and commanded No. 303 Squadron RAF, the first operational Polish fighter squadron. He was awarded the Virtuti Militari 5th Class by the Polish Government.[4]
The following words about the Polish fighters were written in the 303 Squadron Chronicle by Kellett when he was leaving the unit:
| “ |
We fought together through the great offensive of 1940 and I then knew that the pilots of No. 303 Squadron were not only the best but would also see me through any troubles. In the month of September, 303 Squadron was on top — no squadron from the Empire could equal the courage and skill of our pilots, no bombing could daunt our airmen. |
” |
He was later to serve in a number of staff positions for the rest of the war. With a tally of kills for the war at 5 confirmed 2 probable and 1 damaged, Kellett held the status of a flying ace.
After the war, Kellett commanded No. 615 Squadron RAF.[5] He relinquished his commission on 1 October 1953.[6]
References
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 34978. p. 6192. 25 October 1940. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 34958. p. 5789. 1 October 1940. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 34221. p. 7337. 19 November 1935. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ↑ The London Gazette: no. 35060. p. 3254. 31 January 1941. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 37724. p. 4622. 13 September 1946. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 40144. p. 2197. 9 April 1954. Retrieved 2008-12-10.
- Lewis, Peter. British Racing and Record Breaking Aircraft. London:Putnam, 1970. ISBN 0-370-00067-6.