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Identical twin brothers (Ron and Reg), RAF 252 Squadron

online resource
posted on 2024-06-05, 18:59 authored by Their Finest Hour Project Team

Like many thousands of other young men, Ron and Reg joined the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Ron trained and flew as a navigator in a Beaufighter bomber, assigned to 252 Squadron, and took part in many bombing operations. Reg, unable to fly due to a minor hearing issue, served as a radar operator.

Their different roles kept them apart for most of the war, although they did manage to meet up in Italy, which, I imagine, must have been a wonderful reunion.

Ron and Reg were identical twins, and on joining the RAF, their parents gave them both a "Lucky Horseshoe" pendant to keep them safe. Both survived the war and were able to return to their families in Kilmarnock, where they worked within K Shoes before relocating to Kendal.

I am grateful for the photographs entrusted to me since my Dad's passing and delighted to share them with this project and the University of Oxford.

History

Item list and details

1. Ron and Crew Members 2. Bristol Beaufighter 3. Ron in German Aircraft near Tobruk 4. Squadron site, Mersa Matrum 5. Misc Photographs 6. R.P. Beaufighter MK X 7. Wellington Over Aegean 8. Misc Photographs 9. Crest Of 252 Squadron, Stan and Ron 10. Officers' Mess 11. Greek Spitfire Squadron over outskirts of Athens 12. Squadron band (Airmen's Mess, Athens) 13. Airmen in Squadron Club 14. S.S. City Of Leicester 15. Over Taranta Harbour, Italy 16. H.M.S. Ajax 17. H.M.S. King George V 18. Attacking German Headquarters at Galino 19. Attack on S.S. Carola and escort vessels, Sept 6th 1944 20. Attack on German supply vessels at Andros 21. A "Fry-Up" 22. A "Brew-Up" 23. Attacking Gun Positions at Melos on 4th May 1945 24. Pireus harbour (Athens) 25. Gulf Of Corinth 26. Misc Photographs 27. Some of the boys at the Acropolis 28. W/C D.O.Butler, D.F.C. 29. Squadron Air Crew Officers, Athens May 1945 30. Victory Celebration Formation Flying over Athens 31. Victory Celebration Formation Flying over Athens 32. Beaufighter near Levadmia 33. Ron and Reg in Rome 34. Ron and Reg in Rome 35. Misc Photos 36. Newspaper cutting (Epic of 252 Squadron) 37. Sketch Map of Cyprus 38. Ron 39. Floating On the Dead Sea 40. Bill and George 41. Royal Yacht Club 42. Royal Yacht Club 43. Ron and friend 44. Some of the Boys 45. Christmas 1944 46. At The Races 47. "J" for Johnny, returning from the Aegean ( shot down the following day) 48. J is for Johnny 49. "G" is for George 50. At Mersa Matrum Harbour on Boxing Day 1944 51. At Mersa Matrum Harbour on Boxing Day 1944 52. Scottish Red Cross Convalescent Home. 53. Ron, Scottish Red Cross Convalescent Home. 54. Ron, Scottish Red Cross Convalescent Home. 55. 252 Squadron, Christmas Menu 1944 56. 252 Squadron, Christmas Menu 1944

Person the story/items relate to

Ron and Reg Williams

Person who shared the story/items

Steve Williams

Relationship between the subject of the story and its contributor

Ron was my Grandfather"Grandpa". Reg was my Great Uncle.

Type of submission

Shared online via the Their Finest Hour project website.

Record ID

122236