RONALD FOSTER

From May through to September 2026, Andrew will be fulfilling his dream to hike the iconic Land’s End to John O’Groats! You are all warmly invited to follow Andrew’s epic journey on his Facebook page, “Andrew Beal LEJOG”: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577588795730

As Andrew hikes the 1,300+ miles, he will raise funds for the Ipswich War Memorial Project to help finance our future exhibitions and research of the brave Ipswich men and women who lost their lives in conflict. If you would like to make a small donation, please click on the link: https://gofund.me/5d4a50570

Thank you for your love and support. Andrew & Helen – I.W.M.P.

Born: 15th March 1921, at 56, Frederick Street, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Baptised: 13th April 1921, at Rotherham Minster.

Died: 13th June 1944; age 23; killed in an explosion.

Rank: Aircraftman 1st Class; Service Number: 1426713.

Regiment: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, 605 Squadron.

Grave Reference:

50.16249.

Margate Cemetery,

Kent.

Father: William Foster, born December 1886, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. A Chimney Sweep.

Mother: Florence Foster (nee Warden), born 1886, Masbrough, South Yorkshire.

CENSUS

1921   56, Frederick Street, Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Ronald was 3 months old and lived with his mother and siblings.

Florence Foster, 35 years & 9 months old, Home Duties.

Oscar William Foster, 11 years old, at School, born Rotherham.

Edna Foster, 9 years & 9 months old, at School, born Masbrough.

In 1933, Ronald and his sister Constance Foster (born 1925, Rotherham) walked with their father, William, from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, to Ipswich. His mother, Florence, brother Oscar Foster (born June 1910, 56, Frederick Street, Rotherham), and sister Edna Foster (born September 1911, 9, Wortley Road, Rotherham) stayed together in Rotherham. William Foster lived at 4, Borrett’s Buildings, (91 – 101) Norwich Road, Ipswich. William was a Chimney Sweep and was nicknamed ‘Snowball the Sweep.’

ENGLAND & WALES REGISTER 1939

Ronald and his sister Constance lived with their father at their family home – 4, Borretts Buildings, Norwich Road, Ipswich.

William, a Chimney Sweep – own account.

13th June 1944

Ronald was with 6605 servicing echelon, the maintenance section of 605 squadron (Fighter Command), based at R.A.F. Marston, Kent. At 15:00, on the 13th June 1944, a Havilland Mosquito armed with one 500lb and eight 20lb bombs exploded on the ground, killing Ronald and two other ground crew.

Roy Eastwood Townley; Leading Aircraftman; age 21; R.A.F.V.R.

Leonard Ernest Leyburn; Aircraftman 1st Class; age 26; R.A.F.V.R.

Flight Lieutenant Rebbeck was injured and hospitalised.

Flight Officer E.L. Williams D.F.C., Leading Aircraftman Blanchard and Leading Aircraftman Briscoe were slightly injured.

Family information courtesy of David Foster.

Aircraft information courtesy of John Allan.