740193 Rufus Arthur WARD KiA 8 October 1940
 

Hi guys

On the question of black and mixed-race aircrew in the RAF, I note from his picture that appears in Men of the Battle of Britain, that he may have been part West Indian. His Christian name also suggests this. The biog says he was born in Croydon.

Any ideas?

There must have been a number of black/mixed-race aircrew whose names do not appear in the lists of West Indians who joined direct from their home islands/countries, since they were born in Britain.

Once again, any ideas?

Cheers
Brian

Re: 740193 Rufus Arthur WARD KiA 8 October 1940
 

Hello Brian

There is one "Rufus A Ward" listed on Free BMD and the GRO Index page gives Birth District as Croydon in the March Quarter 1917. Mother's maiden surname Anderton.

Age, at death in the last Index quarter of 1940 was 23 years, Registered in the District of Medway.

Regards Mark