LAC Ronald G Low, 83 Squadron RAF ( 1920-2012)

[Fred Carter]

Ron Low, co-author of `83 Squadron 1917~1969` died peacefully on January 3rd, 2012 after a short illness. Ron was a tireless and dedicated airforce historian especially for matters relating to 83 Squadron. He was responsible for the raising of funds for a plaque placed in Lincoln Cathedral describing the Squadron Standard and also for the Airman`s Chapel in St. Michael`s Church, Coningsby, Linc. He was the motivator in bringing to the Chapel in 1983, the Dutch flag which Coba Pulskens (Dutch heroine) used to cover the bodies of the 3 executed RAF,RAAF, and RCAF Officers (Walker, Nott and Carter) after they were executed in Tilburg, Holland, on July 9th,1944.
Fred Carter

LOW Ronald George (Ron) : Obituary
Published in the Grimsby Telegraph on 9th January 2012 (Distributed in Grimsby, Scunthorpe)
This notice has had 65 visitors and has 2 candles..LOW Ronald George (Ron) Peacefully on January 3rd 2012 after a short illness, Ron, aged 91 years, ex BTP, dearly beloved husband to Joan and the late Kath, dearest dad to Michael, Leslie, Jennifer, Christopher and Pamela, dear father-in-law, step-father, grandad, great-grandad, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, a special friend to many who will be sadly missed. Service to be held at Old Clee Church on Tuesday January 17th at 2.15pm followed by committal at Grimsby Crematorium. Family flowers only please but if desired a donation in lieu may be sent to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, 67 Portland Place, London, W1B 1AR. Any enquiries to J.W. Emberson Funeral Directors, 81 Macaulay Street, Grimsby, DN31 2DS.

[James Castle]

Dear Fred
Thank you for posting this very sad news. His knowledge of 83 Squadron was incredible and we are all in the debt of both him and Frank Harper for writing such a well researched book. Sadly as both men have now left us we have a large hole in our knowledge. I had spoken to him a few times over the last few years, and he was always keen to hear about my research and did as much as he could in helping me answer many questions.
Best wishes
James

[Tom Allett]

Sad news, Ron was a great guy and very helpful to me with research concerning 83 Squadron.
He was always a joy to speak to.
I guess his passing effectively ends the 83 Squadron Association..?
Thanks for posting Fred.

[James Castle]

Dear Tom
The Association was run by George Hart, but it was wound down a few years ago. As far as I am aware there is no "Central Knowledge" on the squadron.
Best wishes
James

[Tom Allett]

Hello James,
Yes, after George, there was just Ron trying to represent 83.
Very sad...

[The Low Family]

On behalf of the entire family, we would like to thank you and this forum for all your comments. The church was full. Dad's coffin had the RAFA flag, a wonderful wreath from the RAFA, a Standard Bearer, and 4 members of the RAFA club in attendance. All kindly organised by Bill McCann of Cleethorpes. Thank you all so much.
Spookily whilst the Reverand was giving us his views on the Hereafter, overhead we heard Jets enjoying the beautiful blue sky and fresh sparkling day. Even more eery, was the two fliers practising their aerobatics in the skies over Grimsby, leaving a Heart Trail, with their Loop the Loops, as we travelled with the Hearse from Old Clee Church, to the Crematorium.

Today, the five of us (children - not any more) took some of the floral tributes to the Local Parrish church of Scampton, home of the Red Arrows. Again, more practising overhead of two fantastic planes. Ronald's ashes will be laid to rest later in the year, in the Cemetery here in Scampton, alongside Kathleen's - our mother who died 12 years ago. We know Dad has a huge amount of information, photographs and research material pertaining to 83 Squadron, and we hope to assemble, catalogue this, and distribute it accordingly.

Many thanks again,
Michael, Leslie, Jennifer, Christopher and Pamela
(LOW)

[Tom Allett]

I’m pleased to read that the day went as well as a funeral can and that Ron had a fitting send off.
Ron’s passing was also noted on the website of Lincolnshire’s Lancaster Association.
http://www.lancaster-association.co.uk/NewsArticle.aspx?newsid=64

Tom Allett

[James Castle]

Thank you for letting us all know. Be assurred that Ron will live on in our memories for many years to come and that the pages of his book will contine to turn into the future.
Best wishes
James

[David Phillips]

I came upon this thread whilst researching 83 Squadron. I'm recently taken-over as OC 83 (St Georges) Squadron Air Training Corps and we have a copy of Ron Low's excellent book. Our Sqn crest incorporates the original 83 Red Deer Antler together with the cross of St George (we were reformed on St George's Day).

We have recently moved into a new build HQ and are looking to encapsulate the history of our 'parent' RAF Sqn. In particular, we are interested in the life story of Sgt John Hannah VC as the facts we have already gathered seem to be of particular relevance to our youngsters.

It would appear that most of the memories have inevitably disappeared but I would welcome any pointers the experts on this forum may be able to give.

[James Castle]

Dear David,
Welcome to the Forum. My great uncle, Tony Parsons, was a pilot on 83 squadron from July to December 1941. He would be thrilled that today, the RAFs 100th Birthday, that there are Cadets interested in his generation. I have been researching his time in the RAF for over 30 years and have quite a bit that I can share if you are interested. Please PM or e-mail me?
Have you read Chris Ward's more recent history of 83 Squadron? It is an excellent addition to Low and Harper's book.
Best wishes
James