Captain RW Heiden
Ronald Heiden
- Rank
- Captain
- Squadron
- No 102 Squadron
- School
- Rondebosch Boys' High School
- 1943 voyage
- Sailed from Cape Town on the Rangitata in September 1943.
- Fate
- Killed in action, 5 February 1945
From the book
The Dreaded Telegram
The telegram delivered to Frederick and Daisy Heiden’s Cape Town home advised their 22-year-old son Ronald was “missing as the result of air operations on the night of January 5th”, his death was confirmed later. Educated at Rondebosch Boys High, he was one of three seconded SAAF pilots who lost their lives flying No 102 Squadron Halifax’s. A 664 strong bomber force had attacked Hannover, 31 bombers did not return, 66 aircrew lost their lives, the sole survivor from his crew became a “POW’’’.
SAAF Airmen in RAF Squadrons
Whereas seconded bomber pilots may have been in the minority, that small group acquitted themselves very well. Eight flew No 102 Squadron Halifax bombers. Three, Begbie, Carby Thompson and Heiden lost their lives. Major’s Gillett and Watson and Captains Meyer and Rea were awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross”.