It is with regret that Last Post Shellhole advises the Sunset call of Moth Ron Pennicott on the 19th June 2022, a WW2 veteran.

Born LONDON 29 February 1926. Joined 78 (Wembley) Squadron of the air Training Corps in 1940 and rose to Flight Sergeant before volunteering for the Royal Air Force in May 1943 as a Sergeant Navigator on Lancaster bombers. He participated in the saturating bombing raids of German city’s but their main function was the resupply and armament of the Free French Fighters. These was mainly unescorted flights of great risk requiring pinpoint accuracy.

In March 1948 he immigrated to SOUTH AFRICA with his parents.

He joined the South African Air Force in 1976 as a Logistics Officer. His first call up saw him sent to the RHODESIAN border as Officer Commanding a Tactical Airfield Unit. ”It was hell as the Permanent Force members did not want to take orders from a Rooinek civvie”.

In May 1980 he was appointed Officer Commanding 92 tactical Airfield Unit and served in the capacity for 15years until he retired in November 1991 with the rank of Commandant (Lt Col). He saw service in SW Africa on a number of occasions and also took his unit to the borders of BOTSWANA, MOZAMBIQUE and SWAZILAND.
He was awarded the Southern Cross Medal, Chief of the Defence Force Medal of Merit, Pro Patria Medal and the John CHARD Medal.

His father was wounded and hospitalized during the WW1 Battle of ARRAS and another relative Pte Fredrick William PENNICOTT of the WEST RIDING Regiment was killed during the Second Boer War when a troop train was blown up near PETRONELA, North of PRETORIA 31 August 1901.

He joined MOTH in 1973 and was Old Bill of OVERLORD Shellhole, transferring to KITCHENER Shellhole in July 1993 and was awarded a 25 years service recognition tie. He joined LAST POST Shellhole in August 2009 earning another 25 years service recognition tie. He remained an active and contributing Member. Together with Heather they were a formidable team when distributing poppies and the sale of Shellhole raffle tickets. He provided the Shellhole with sound advice and guidance and was himself a generous contributor to the Shellhole.

He joined the RAF Association in 1948 DURBAN, serving the PRETORIA and JOHANNESBURG Branches, and in 1990 was awarded the Presidential Certificate for his work for the association. He was a member of the Aircrew Association and in 2008 was awarded the Presidential Award for his work. He has had a distinguished and professional business career. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators a President of the SOUTH AFRICAN Division1981 to1991. He was a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and a member of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants.
His main charitable work was through the Military and Hospitality Order of St LAZARUS which he and Heather joined in 1980. He became General secretary and Receiver General a few years later. He was a Knight Commander of the Order and a Companiate of Merit.

They were great supporters of his Church, organizing a Commemorative Service every year for the 11th November Peace declaration.

A great and respected serviceman and Christian

“We Will Remember him”.

29 February 1926 – 19th June 2022

 

 

Funeral will be on the 11th of July 2022 – details to follow