Ronald Wallens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ronald Walter Wallens
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|---|---|
| Born | 1 February 1916 Amblecote, West Midlands |
| Died | 13 November 1995 (aged 79) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1937-1949 |
| Rank | Squadron Leader |
| Commands held | No. 277 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | No. 41 Squadron RAF, No. 277 Squadron RAF |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross |
Ronald Walter Wallens DFC (1 February 1916 – 13 November 1995) was a brave British pilot. He was an officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II. He flew during the important Battle of Britain and was one of "The Few" pilots who defended the country.
Contents
Early Life and Joining the RAF
Ronald Wallens was born in 1916. He went to school at Worksop College. In 1937, he joined the Royal Air Force. This was a special type of service called a "short service commission." He joined his first squadron, No. 41 Squadron RAF, in March 1938. He became a Pilot Officer in October 1939 and a Flying Officer in July 1940.
Fighting in the Battle of Britain
In August 1940, Wallens and his squadron joined the Battle of Britain. This was a huge air battle where British pilots fought against German planes.
On August 8, Wallens shot down two German Bf 109 planes. He also helped shoot down another German plane. On August 11, he helped destroy a Ju 88 bomber.
Shot Down in Action
On September 5, 1940, Wallens faced a very tough fight. His group of six Spitfire planes was ordered to attack many German Dornier 17 bombers. These bombers had over 50 Bf 109 fighter planes protecting them. Wallens thought this attack was "a desperate manoeuvre."
Within seconds, his group was in trouble. Two Spitfires crashed, and another was badly hit. Wallens managed to break away. He saw two Bf 109s below him and quickly shot down one. As he aimed for the second, he was attacked from above. He later said the noise was "indescribable" as bullets and cannon fire hit his plane.
A shell hit his leg, badly injuring him. Wallens tried to parachute out, but his plane's canopy was stuck. He had to crash-land about four miles from his base. He crashed through a fence and landed in a field. He found that a bullet had even hit his helmet and his wristwatch.
Before he was shot down, Wallens had officially destroyed five enemy planes. He was in the hospital until April 1941. During his recovery, he was helped by Dan Maskell, who later became a famous tennis commentator. Wallens returned to duty in July 1943. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant.
Helping Others: Air Sea Rescue
Because of his injury, Wallens could no longer fly in combat missions. In 1943, he joined No. 277 Squadron RAF. This was an Air Sea Rescue Squadron. Their job was to find and save pilots and sailors who had crashed into the sea. He became the leader of this squadron in 1944.
In July 1944, Wallens received the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is a very important award for bravery in the air. The award said that he had destroyed at least four enemy aircraft early in the war. It also said he had saved many people from the sea. He was praised for his "splendid example of gallantry and devotion to duty."
Wallens left the RAF in 1949.
Life After the War
After the war, Ronald Wallens worked in the car business. He also managed pubs and hotels.
In 1990, he wrote a book about his experiences called Flying Made My Arms Ache. In his book, he described the Battle of Britain as a "terrible shambles." He wrote about feeling scared but still doing his duty.
Ronald Wallens married Violet Bate in 1961. They had a daughter named Karen. He passed away in November 1995, at the age of 79.
