Kenneth Rayment
|
Kenneth Rayment DFC |
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Kenneth Gordon Rayment 11 March 1921 Wanstead, Essex, England |
| Died | 15 March 1958 (aged 37) Rechts der Isar Hospital, Munich, West Germany |
| Known for | Co-Pilot during the Munich air disaster |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/branch | Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve |
| Years of service | 1940–1945 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Service number | 126970 (other ranks) 108000 (officer) |
| Unit |
No. 153 Squadron RAF No. 264 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | |
| Awards |
Mentioned in Despatches Distinguished Flying Cross |
Kenneth Gordon "Ken" Rayment, DFC (11 March 1921 – 15 March 1958) was a British pilot and decorated Second World War flying ace. On 6 February 1958, he was the co-pilot of BEA flight 609 that was to carry the Manchester United football team and journalists from West Germany to England but which crashed on take-off; this became known as the Munich air disaster. Rayment survived the crash but died six weeks later of injuries received.
Rayment was born on 11 March 1921 in Wanstead, Essex, England. He was brought up in Woodford Green. In 1937, after leaving school, he joined the Merchant Navy. He served as a deck officer on a route between England and Argentina.
On 15 October 1940, Rayment joined the ranks of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR). In March 1941, he started his pilot training with 17 Elementary Flying Training School. He was then promoted to sergeant and sent to Canada to continue his training at 37 Service Flying Training School.
On 1 September 1941, Rayment was commissioned into the RAFVR as a pilot officer (on probation). After spending three months at 56 Operational Training Unit based at RAF Sutton Bridge, in December 1941 he was assigned to No. 153 Squadron RAF. After a few days, he was sent to 62 Operational Training Unit to train as a night fighter pilot. He rejoined 153 Squadron in February 1942, and flew Bristol Beaufighters. Between May and August 1942, he was once more training with 62 Operational Training Unit. He then rejoined 153 Squadron after leaving the OTU. His commission was confirmed on 1 September 1942.
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