Hayes, Ralph Gamble

Date of birth:: 1921 (Kenilworth/Warwickshire, United Kingdom)
Date of death:: November 5th, 1943 (Hempnall/Norfolk, United Kingdom)
Buried on:: Commonwealth War Graves Putney Vale Cemetery
Grave: 327.
Service number:: 120087
Nationality:: British

Biography

Ralph Gamble Hayes was born at Kenilworth in 1921 and was educated at Salesian College, London.
Enlisting in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve after the outbreak of hostilities, he qualified as a navigator and was posted to No. 105 Squadron at Marham in mid-October 1942.
He and his Pilot, Flight Lieutenant John Gordon, both received the DFC for his part in the daring Mosquito low level raid on Berlin on 30 January, 1943 when they attacked during a Nazi Party radio broadcast and the explosions from the bombs could be heard by the radio listeners.
In June 1943, he and Gordon joined No. 8 (Path Finder Force) Group.
On 5 November 1943, Gordon and Hayes were detailed to attack the chemical works at Leverkusen. Their Mosquito was damaged and Gordon was compelled to make the return trip on one engine. On reaching Hardwick, he had to abort an emergency landing owing to a lorry being on the runway. The aircraft’s wing then dropped on the dead side and hit a tree, causing the Mosquito to plough into a field at Road Green Farm, Hempnall, Norfolk. Both men were killed instantly.
Hayes he was buried in Putney Vale Cemetery and a memorial cross stands today at the site of his Mosquito’s crash at Road Green Farm.

Promotions:
? Sergeant
Pilot Officer on Probation: 20th April, 1942
Flying Officer on Probation (war sub): 20 October, 1942

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flying Officer
Unit:: No. 105 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: February 16th, 1943

Recommendation:
"On 30 January 1943, this officer was the navigator of a crew detailed for a special operation in daylight against Berlin. The success of the operation largely depended on the attack being made at a precise time, and for this reason, it had to be carried out regardless of weather conditions and the pre-flight plan had to be adhered to in every detail. The outward journey involved a trip of over 500 miles, most of which was over German territory and into the heart of the defences, both fighter and anti-aircraft, of the country. Further, the length of the trip was such that only economical cruising speed could be maintained since the conservation of petrol was an important aspect. The advantage of the high speed of the aircraft was, therefore, largely lost except over the target itself.

In order to get in under the enemy warning system, two thirds of the flight was carried out a very low level. This later necessitated a long climb, during which period, the aircraft was particularly vulnerable to fighter interception and attack. In addition the crew were well aware of the acknowledged strong anti-aircraft defences against a daylight attack.

All these hazardous aspects made it necessary for the mission to be carried out with the utmost skill and determination. As is well known, it was carried out precisely as planned and the attack delivered within seconds of the specified time.

F./O. Hayes, although having completed only seven sorties, has already shown that he is determined to press home his attacks and I have no doubt that he will continue to operate in a purposeful and determined manner."