Ajax Veterans Street Dedication: Byram Downs Street

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Street Name: Byram Downs Street
Name of Veteran: Kenneth Byram 1923-Nov. 20, 2015
Rank: Ordinary Leading Seaman and Quartermaster
Ship Served: HMS Ajax
Date of Service on Ship: 1942 to 1946
Year of Visit/Dedication September 9, 2010
Veteran or Family Visit Ken’s sister-in-law Jennifer Chong and sister-in-law Mary Braganza and
extended family, as well as friend Wendy Rhodes
Veteran of the Battle of the River Plate: No
Died at Battle: No

Ken Byram was born in Huddersfield, Yorkshire in 1923. As a member of the Royal Navy, he joined HMS Ajax in 1942 at the age of 19 as an Able Seaman and was later promoted to Ordinary Leading Seaman. He served as the Quartermaster under the Officer of the Watch and hegreatly enjoyed that part of his duties. Ken’s nickname was ‘Yorky’ to note that he was a Yorkshireman. The majority of the ship’s company was from the south of England and only a handful were from the north. Ken commented that HMS Ajax was a very proud and happy ship and he was honoured to have served on her for over four years.

After leaving the Royal Navy, he became a member of the City of Bradford Police Force where he met his wife Betty, a fellow police officer. They married in 1960 and had two sons, Philip and Peter. Ken retired from the Police Force after 30 years of service at age 53. He then took a post with the National Health Services and worked for another 12 years before finally retiring from the workforce.

Ken was unable to make it to Ajax for the 70th Anniversary celebrations but sent this message, “Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentleman, may my wife and I and my family, say Thank you to you all for this honour you are bestowing on us. God bless your town and your citizens and may God keep you safe. Yours sincerely, Kenneth Byram”.

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