Identity
Person No.
33852
Service No.
P1/40182
Last Name
First Name
Kenneth Ralph
Initials
K R
Date of Birth
Unknown
Est. Birth Year
Age at Death
22
Military Service
Rank
Second Lieutenant
Regiment
Unit
Secondary Unit
"B" Coy.
Death Record
Date of Death
Cause of Death
Killed in action, in North American F-51 Mustang #324. Lt P.I. Norman-Smith was leader of four "A" Flight Mustangs returning to base, following a successful mission. After becoming disorientated due to cloud encountered, Lt Norman-Smith contacted Control and requested a course to steer to K-46. He was told to stand by, as Control was busy with another emergency. He then tried to contact K-14 and K-16 airfields, without success, but at an altitude of 1000 feet he noticed the Han River below them. The flight proceeded to follow the river, intending to land at K-16 Seoul. While approaching Seoul in clear weather, Lt Norman-Smith's aircraft was suddenly rammed by the No.3 aircraft in his flight, piloted by 2Lt K.R. Whitehead. Both aircraft promptly crashed into the Han River, their pilots being killed. 2Lt Whitehead's body was recovered
Grave Reference
Location
Additional Information
Notes
ref. 85 years of SAAF
Citation
LG Sup 20 March 1945 pg. 1502
External Source
Unknown
South African War Graves Project