There have been added to the Roll the names of the three following members of the R.A.F., who were accidentally killed in the course of training before the outbreak of war. Though denied a share in the actual fighting, nevertheless, since they were preparing for it and had chosen the Air Service in preference to any other profession at a time when war was clearly not far distant, they are entitled to a place among those who have given their lives for their country.
Sergeant Pilot George Anthony Bell
Sergeant Pilot Bell, The Royal Air Force (V.R.), was born on 20th May 1917, and at Loretto, where he held a scholarship, from January 1928, to April 1934. On leaving School he trained as an engineer at the Rolls-Royce Works, Derby, and after finishing his apprenticeship was appointed to a position in the experimental department which "would give him full scope for developing the undoubted talent" the firm considered him to possess. In 1938 he joined the R.A.F.V.R. and learnt to fly at Nottingham. On 3rd January of the following year he was killed when his machine crashed over the Rolls-Royce Works.
"He was one of my senior pilots and a most skilful one."
"His name will always be affectionately remembered and respected."
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Pilot Officer Charles Connell Law
Pilot Officer Law, The Royal Air Force, was born on 6th August 1915, and at Loretto from September 1929 to April 1934. He was a House Prefect, in the VI Form, XV, and Shooting VIII, and a Corporal in the O.T.C. On leaving School, he went first to Switzerland and afterwards to Wadham College, Oxford, where he studied Modern Languages and left with an Honours Degree. He then joined the R.A,F., and after training obtained a commission as Pilot Officer, in May 1938. On 25th June of that year he was killed in a flying accident at Holywell, near Folkestone, in Kent.
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Flying Officer Ronald Anthony George Petrie
Flying Officer Petrie, The Royal Air Force, was born on 15th December 1915, and at Loretto from September 1929 to December 1933. He was a Prefect, in the XV and Shooting VIII, and a Lance-Corporal in the O.T.C. After accepting a short-service commission in the R.A.F. (with the intention of eventually going in for a permanent one), he joined No.2 Squadron at Hawkinge, near Folkestone, in June 1936. Here he developed into a brilliant pilot and was officially assessed as "exceptional". He was a great favourite with all ranks and won the esteem and affection of the men by his personal example and by the zest with which he shared in their sports and the interest he took in everything that concerned their welfare. He was killed in a flying accident on 28th April 1939.
"Pete was a perfect example of a born pilot. He was absolutely fearless and safe in the air."
"His enthusiasm for his job gave me a sense of uplift amidst the chaos of these times. To my mind he stood for the spirit of young England."
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