Captain RJ Malan
Ralph Jordan Malan
- Rank
- Captain
- Squadron
- No 31 Squadron (SAAF)
- Fate
- Killed in a flying accident, 12 June 1944
From the book
More than a “Few” South Africans
Several South African brothers served as RAF and RAFVR airmen, three sets of brothers lost their lives, four families had sons in the RAF and the SAAF. AG “Sailor” Malan’s younger brother Francis, an RAFVR volunteer, lost his life during a sortie on April 26th, 1943, flying an Algerian based No 72 Squadron Spitfire. On June 12th, 1944, just over year later, 42-year-old Captain Ralph Jordan Malan was one of ten No 31 Squadron aircrew who lost their lives when their Liberator crashed into the sea east of Port Said Egypt during practice bombing.
The Dreaded Telegram
Group Captain “Sailor” Malan DSO & Bar DFC and Bar had two brothers who were airmen. The youngest, 23- year Flying Officer Francis Malan a No 72 Squadron Spitfire pilot lost his life in 1943, Captain Ralph Malan died in a No 32 Squadron Liberator crash in the sea off Port Said in 1944.