Ronald Vickers (1922-1954)
After attending Spitalgate Boys’ school, Sgt -Pilot Ronald Leslie Vickers was employed at BMARCo , Springfield Road, before enlisting in the RAFVR.
During the Second World War, he underwent part of his training in Canada.
He rose to the rank flying-officer and was demobilised at the end of the war, but rejoined the RAF in 1949.
He took part in fly-pasts to commemorate both the Battle of Britain and the Coronation.
In 1954, he was flying his Varsity aircraft on a routine cross-country training flight, when it crashed into a wood and burst into flames.
It happened as his machine was coming in to land at RAF Swinderby at about midnight. He was killed outright.
He left a widow Gwendoline and two young sons at their Kingston Avenue home, off Dysart Road. She died in March 2017.
Son Colin died suddenly 1st January 2017 while Ivan survives and lives in Scotland.
Dad also left two sons, Ivan (6) and Colin (2). His widow, Gwen passed away 13th March 2017 (93), Colin died suddenly 1st January 2017. Ivan survives and lives in Scotland.