Ruiter, Denis Aidan (D A)

Killed in action, in North American F-51 Mustang #301. Lt D.A. Ruiter, with Lt M. Rorke as his No.2 were on a mission when Lt Ruiter reported that his engine temperature was fluctuating, and got Lt Rorke to investigate. He found that the coolant shutter was open, and Lt Ruiter decided to return to base, escorted by Lt Rorke. Ten miles NNW of Wonsan harbour, white smoke began issuing from Lt Ruiter's Mustang, and this soon turned to black smoke, with the engine cutting out momentarily. Realising he would not get home, Lt Ruiter headed for nearby Yo-do Island, which was in friendly hands. He advised that he was going to bale out, but then changed his mind and elected to attempt a forced landing on the beach. He flew down the beach and, overshooting, attempted to turn back about 1000 feet out to sea. His left wing struck the water and his aircraft crashed, sinking almost immediately. Lt Rorke observed a brown object float away from the wreck, and directed two corvettes to search, but Lt Ruiter was not found