Remembering the Crew of Lancaster ND474
Sgt R Hoole
SGT Ronald Hoole - Flight Engineer
Ronald Hoole was born on the 20th April, 1923 at No 2 Canal Terrace, Wath upon Dearne, in the District of Rotherham in the County of Yorkshire (West Riding).
His father, Leonard Hoole, was a Railway Porter and his mother was Edna Margret Hoole (formerly Grime). Ronald was the first born but he was to become the eldest of ten children.
Ronald's sister Margret was born in 1924, followed by brother Kenneth in 1926, Harry in 1927, Peter in 1928, Brain in 1929, Nancy in 1932, Nellie in 1934, Leslie in 1937 and finally David in 1941.
The Hoole's were a hard working Yorkshire family who lived happily together in Edward Road, Mirfield for many years. Ronald had completed an apprenticeship as a Motor Mechanic and he worked in a garage in Ravensthrope not far from his home town.
Ronald's knowledge of engines was taken into consideration when on 8th March 1942 at the age of 18, he enlisted at No3 Recruit Centre, Padgate, Warrington, Cheshire.
Each Crew member would have volunteered for their aircraft duties, so Ronald requested the position of Flight Engineer. As well as being responsible for the engines pre-flight and during operations, his role required him to be able to fly the aircraft on a straight and level course, maintain technical notes, carry out emergency repairs during the flight and act as stand-by air gunner.
After the Recruit Centre at Padgate and the Aircrew Reception Centre in Regents Park, London, Ronald began his initial training on 6th March 1943. The training for Flight Engineer took Ronald from London to Manchester and from RAF Swinderby to RAF Scampton.
The boys of the family were always the favourites of this mother and she was very proud of her lads.
Recruit Centre - Padgate
As Flight Engineer, Ronald would have sat to the right of the Pilot. He had a folding seat, which was necessary to allow access to the Bomb Aimers and Front Gunner's positions, and a tubular footrest, which pulled out from under the raised floor section beneath the Pilot's position.
He looked after the engines, throttle settings and propeller ptich settings, fuel flow and generally acted as the Pilot's assistant.
He had two pannels to monitor, the first on the starboard side that contained oil and fuel gauges, booster pump switches, fuel pressure warning lights, fuel tank selector cocksand many other things.
The second was part of the main dash, which could also be seen by the Pilot. This contained engine revolution counters, boost gauges, ignition switches, engine fire extinguisher buttons and propeller feathering buttons, plus a great deal more.
As Flight Engineer, Ronald would have been constantly monitoring the four powerful Merlin engines, the fuel consumption from the six wnig tanks and providing the Pilot with important information about the aircrafts condition.
On the 26th February 1944, Ronald was transferred to RAF Fiskerton. After two years and nine days in service, he boarded ND 474 on a misson to Stuttgart.
Unknown to Ronald, he had already been recommended for training as a Pilot.
A Memorial to those lost in World War I and World War II is located at Ings Grove Park, Huddersfield Road, Mirfeild. Ronald Hoole is listed on this, his home town memorial.
Just before leaving RAF Swinderby in Novemeber 1943, Ronald went home on leave to Mirfield where a young lady had caught his attention. Sadly we have never known her name.
This picture was taken on 17th November 1943.