BARY, Ronald Edward
Stats:
rank: W/Cstatus: kia
airforce: RNZAF (no: 41818 )
born: 1915-06-09 New Plymouth New Zealand
added by: Kevin Charles
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Bio / Text:
Bary, Ronald Edward DSO DFC - KIA 12 April 1945
Age 29 FAENZA WAR CEMETERY
92 Sqn
DSO DFC
Son of Edward and Gladwys Muriel Bary of Palmerston North Wellington New Zealand;
husband of Doreen Mary Bary of Christchurch Canterbury New Zealand"
"Close bombing support NE of Imola, Italy
244 Wing, RAF (Bellária, Italy - Desert Air Force, Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force)
Spitfire LF.VIII MT685 - took off at 1143 leading two 92 Sqn Spitfires. Over the target (at map ref [M] X 683664) at 1215 the pilot instructed the others to circle overhead while he dived and marked. As he passed through 4000-5000 feet one of his bombs blew up and the fighter disintegrated. He is buried at Faenza. It was assumed that one of the 500lb bombs exploded prematurely, either while still attached to the aircraft or immediately upon release, there being no evidence of flak in the area at the time. Another 92 Sqn Spitfire had suffered a similar fate only 24 hours earlier.
Pilot: 41818 Wg Cdr Ronald Edward BARY, DSO DFC mid, RAF - Age 29. 1540hrs. 370th op.
Bary had previously served with 229, 274 250 and 80 Sqns, and 239 Wing, RAF.
His appointment to 80 Sqn was as commanding officer, and he had been commanding 244 Wing since 22 December 1944. "
From the 417 Squadron ORB
12th April 1945
Four aircraft led by W/C Bary in his own aircraft went on a Rover mission. Couldn't contact Rover Tom or Rover Paddy. Leader called Commander. He got in touch with Rover Tom and Rover Paddy but section still was unable to contact them Commander instructed section to bomb alternative target which was 3 guns at M22683664. Section circled while leader went down to mark target. Halfway down in dive leader's aircraft exploded in flames. A/C disintegrated into small pieces with much flame and black smoke. Red 3 took over and circled but could see no parachute.
DFC citation, 1942
"This officer took part in the operations over Dunkirk and in the Battle of Britain. Fit. Lt. Bary also participated in the evacuation from Crete. In the present campaign, he has led the squadron on numerous occasions with coolness and skill, and has taken part in cover protections for bombers and in attacks on enemy vehicles and aircraft on the ground. He has also shared in the destruction of a Messerschmitt 110. This officer has been a great help to the less experienced pilots and his courage and devotion to duty have set an excellent example to all."
DSO citation
"Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has taken part in numerous operational sorties. Under his brilliant leadership the squadrons of his Wing materially contributed to the success of the Sicilian campaign ... An outstanding Wing Leader, this officer gained the absolute confidence of all the pilots under his command."
Posthumously awarded on February 12th, 1946, with effect on October 1st, 1944.
Age 29 FAENZA WAR CEMETERY
92 Sqn
DSO DFC
Son of Edward and Gladwys Muriel Bary of Palmerston North Wellington New Zealand;
husband of Doreen Mary Bary of Christchurch Canterbury New Zealand"
"Close bombing support NE of Imola, Italy
244 Wing, RAF (Bellária, Italy - Desert Air Force, Mediterranean Allied Tactical Air Force)
Spitfire LF.VIII MT685 - took off at 1143 leading two 92 Sqn Spitfires. Over the target (at map ref [M] X 683664) at 1215 the pilot instructed the others to circle overhead while he dived and marked. As he passed through 4000-5000 feet one of his bombs blew up and the fighter disintegrated. He is buried at Faenza. It was assumed that one of the 500lb bombs exploded prematurely, either while still attached to the aircraft or immediately upon release, there being no evidence of flak in the area at the time. Another 92 Sqn Spitfire had suffered a similar fate only 24 hours earlier.
Pilot: 41818 Wg Cdr Ronald Edward BARY, DSO DFC mid, RAF - Age 29. 1540hrs. 370th op.
Bary had previously served with 229, 274 250 and 80 Sqns, and 239 Wing, RAF.
His appointment to 80 Sqn was as commanding officer, and he had been commanding 244 Wing since 22 December 1944. "
From the 417 Squadron ORB
12th April 1945
Four aircraft led by W/C Bary in his own aircraft went on a Rover mission. Couldn't contact Rover Tom or Rover Paddy. Leader called Commander. He got in touch with Rover Tom and Rover Paddy but section still was unable to contact them Commander instructed section to bomb alternative target which was 3 guns at M22683664. Section circled while leader went down to mark target. Halfway down in dive leader's aircraft exploded in flames. A/C disintegrated into small pieces with much flame and black smoke. Red 3 took over and circled but could see no parachute.
DFC citation, 1942
"This officer took part in the operations over Dunkirk and in the Battle of Britain. Fit. Lt. Bary also participated in the evacuation from Crete. In the present campaign, he has led the squadron on numerous occasions with coolness and skill, and has taken part in cover protections for bombers and in attacks on enemy vehicles and aircraft on the ground. He has also shared in the destruction of a Messerschmitt 110. This officer has been a great help to the less experienced pilots and his courage and devotion to duty have set an excellent example to all."
DSO citation
"Since the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, this officer has taken part in numerous operational sorties. Under his brilliant leadership the squadrons of his Wing materially contributed to the success of the Sicilian campaign ... An outstanding Wing Leader, this officer gained the absolute confidence of all the pilots under his command."
Posthumously awarded on February 12th, 1946, with effect on October 1st, 1944.
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