My late beloved uncle, Ron Willis Scales (known as Ron), of Pickering, North Yorkshire died peacefully 30th April 2013 aged 91. He flew many missions as a rear gunner from Tempsford before his severely damaged Handley Page Halifax bomber ditched in the North Sea on its return from Germany. Only two of the crew survived the ditching to then spent two days adrift on the water before washing-up on occupied Holland. Crossing a mined beach successfully, Ron's colleague was none-the-less badly injured and would die a short time after they were picked-up by the occupying forces. Ron spent three and a half years interned in POW camps, but survived to return home after the war ended. He went on to marry my mother's eldest sister, Margaret Emery, and had a daughter, Jill. Margaret died 23rd January 2016 aged 90 years. Ron and Margaret named their home in Pickering "Tempsford". Tragically, they would lose Jill in a car accident in Liberia on Valentines Day 1977; her fiance Jeff Yutan survived. Jill and Jeff were employed by British Caledonian at the time of the accident, and Jill featured in several adverts for them (in days before model agency staff were used). Ron rarely spoke of his wartime experiences; though in later times he was persuaded to commit some of his memories to print. Ron, Margaret and Jill are remembered by their family with much love to this day. His sacrifice and all those who fought for our freedom will always be remembered. www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/8172823.veteran-ron-scales-tells-his-remarkable-and-moving-war-story-in-a-new-book/ for those interested in learning more of his wartime experience.

Beautiful tribute!