John Richard RATTEN DFC

John Richard RATTEN DFC Update Details

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RATTEN, John Richard

Service Number:	405111
Enlisted:	31 January 1941
Last Rank:	Wing Commander
Last Unit:	No. 453 Squadron (RAAF)
Born:	Sheffield, Tasmania, Australia, 13 November 1912
Home Town:	Kingston Beach, Kingborough, Tasmania
Schooling:	Launceston Church Grammar School and Tasmanian University, Australia.
Occupation:	Inspector of Mines
Died:	Illness, Sussex, England, United Kingdom, 27 February 1945, aged 32 years
Cemetery:	Downs Crematorium Brighton, East Sussex, England Cremated Panel 3, Brighton (Downs) Crematorium, Brighton, Sussex, England, United Kingdom
Memorials:	Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Hutchins School WW2 Honour Roll

World War 2 Service

31 Jan 1941:	Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Aircraftman 2 (WW2), 405111, Aircrew Training Units
31 Jan 1941:	Enlisted Royal Australian Air Force, Wing Commander, 405111
29 Mar 1941:	Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Pilot Officer, 405111
27 Feb 1945:	Involvement Royal Australian Air Force, Wing Commander, 405111, No. 453 Squadron (RAAF), Air War NW Europe 1939-45
Date unknown:	Honoured Distinguished Flying Cross, London Gazette 15 June 1943

Help us honour John Richard Ratten's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.

Biography contributed by David Barlow

Wing Commander John Richard Ratten DFC 405111 died at Midhurst Hospital in Sussex, England while attached to Number 11 Personnel Disposal and Reception Centre at RAF Station Brighton

Wing Commander Ratten was the first trainee from Australia to gain his Wings under the Empire Air Training Scheme - he went on to become the Commanding Officer of 453 (Spitfire) Squadron RAAF at RAF Station Hornchurch and he has an entry in the book "Aces High" by Christopher Shores

Commemorated on Panel 3 at the Brighton (Downs) Crematorium in Sussex, England

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