Ronald Gustave Kellett

Ronald Gustave Kellett, DSO, DFC, AE (13 September 1909 – 12 November 1998) was an English stockbroker who became a flying ace during the Second World War while serving in the Royal Air Force.

Ronald Gustave Kellett
Born(1909-09-13)13 September 1909
Eldon, County Durham, England
Died12 November 1998(1998-11-12) (aged 89)
Kent, England
AllegianceUnited Kingdom
Service/branchRoyal Air Force
Years of service1933–1953
RankWing Commander
Commands heldNo. 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/warsSecond World War
AwardsDistinguished Service Order[1]
Distinguished Flying Cross[2]
Air Efficiency Award
Mentioned in Despatches
Silver Cross of the Virtuti Militari (Poland)

Early life

Kellett was born in Eldon, County Durham, on 13 September 1909 and educated at Rossall School. After school he worked as a postboy at the Liverpool Stock Exchange before moving to London when he was aged 18 to join the stockbroking firm of Laurence Keen and Gardner.[3]

Royal Air Force

Kellett joined No. 600 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force[4] 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.[5]

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.

In December 1940 he formed 96 Squadron based at RAF Cranage, Cheshire to defend the port of Liverpool.[3] Promotion followed and in March 1941 he went on to command the fighter wing at RAF North Weald.[3] He was rested from operations at the end of 1942. With a tally of kills for the war at 5 confirmed 2 probable and 1 damaged, Kellett held the status of a flying ace.[3]

He became a Member of Council for Training at the Air Ministry and in 1943 taught at the Turkish Air Force staff college at Ankara. He returned to the United Kingdom at the end of the war to be demobilised.[3]

Later life

Kellett returned to his work in the London stock exchange with Laurence, Keen and Gardner where he remained until he retired, aged 64.[3] He rejoined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and commanded No. 615 Squadron RAF at RAF Biggin Hill.[6] He relinquished his commission on 1 October 1953.[7] From 1949 he farmed in Kent and enjoyed the country pursuits of hunting, shooting as well as sailing.[3] From 1973 Kellet, along with his brother Alfred, planted a small vineyard to produce wine until it was destroyed in the storms of 1987.[3]

Family life

Kellett had married Daphne in 1939 and they had two sons and three daughters.[3] Kellet died in Kent 12 November 1998 aged 89, his wife Daphne died in 1994.[3]

Honours and awards
  • 1 October 1940 - Squadron Leader Ronald Gustave Kellett (90082) Auxiliary Air Force was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of gallantry display in flying operations against the enemy[2]
By his excellent example and personality this officer had been largely responsible for the success of his squadron which in one week destroyed thirty-three enemy aircraft, of which Squadron Leader Kellett had destroyed three. His leadership and determination in attacking superior numbers of enemy aircraft have instilled the greatest confidence in other pilots of his squadron.

London Gazette, [2]

Squadron Leader Kellett as commander of his squadron has built up and trained his personnel to such a fine fighting pitch that no fewer than 113 enemy aircraft have been destroyed in the space of one-month, with very few casualties sustained by his squadron. He has frequently led the wing formation with judgement and success. The gallantry and fine leadership displayed by Squadron Leader Kellett have proved an inspiring example.

London Gazette, [1]

References
  1. "No. 34978". The London Gazette. 25 October 1940. p. 6192.
  2. "No. 34958". The London Gazette. 1 October 1940. p. 5789.
  3. "Wing Commander Ronald Kellett". The Times (66732). London. 30 November 1998. p. 25.
  4. "No. 34221". The London Gazette. 19 November 1935. p. 7337.
  5. "No. 35060". The London Gazette. 31 January 1941. p. 3254.
  6. "No. 37724". The London Gazette (Supplement). 13 September 1946. p. 4622.
  7. "No. 40144". The London Gazette (Supplement). 9 April 1954. p. 2197.
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