Ronald Hawkins

Ronald Hawkins was a Squadron Leader in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, service number 70802. Aviation Safety Network records an earlier episode from 14 June 1940 in which Pilot Officer Ronald Hawkins, service number 70802, survived the loss of a Fairey Battle, was captured, escaped and returned to Britain via Spain and Gibraltar. The same account says he received the Military Cross for that escape, and Gazette records support the MC award trail. CWGC later records him as aged 27, killed on 5 October 1943 and buried at Brookwood Military Cemetery. RAFCommands and Gazette records also connect him with the DFC. Aircrew Remembered’s exact-name death index confirms the casualty identity, but the search did not locate a detailed source for his final aircraft. The supported biography is therefore one of an airman who survived capture and escape in 1940, was decorated for that return, continued operational service, and died in 1943.