Ajax Veterans Street Dedication: Ling Street

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Description

Street Name: Ling Street
Name of Veteran: Ronald E. Ling March 11, 1920-June 21, 2003
Rank: Stoker
Ship Served: HMS Ajax
Date of Service on Ship: 1939 to 1945
Year of Visit/Dedication: March 3, 2015
Veteran or Family Visit: Marion Whiting, daughter and Mark Whiting, grandson
Veteran of the Battle of the River Plate: Yes Died at Battle: No

Ronald Ernest Ling was born on March 11, 1920 at Walkgate, Holbrook, Ipswich, Suffolk to parents Albert Ernest Ling and Maud Mary Ling (nee Brundle). He was the youngest of six sons; Sonny, Fred, Wilfred, Les & Cyril. He grew up in Stutton, Ipswich, Suffolk and while still at school began his working life as a Gardener’s Assistant. He also completed a milk round every morning.

On April 19, 1938, at the age of eighteen, Ron volunteered for the Royal Navy and committed to a total of twelve years’ service. His first posting was aboard HMS Pembroke, serving until September 23, 1938 as Stoker 2nd Class. On September 24, 1938 he joined HMS Ajax and rose to the rank of Stoker 1st Class by March 19, 1939. It was at this rank that he served the Ajax during the Battle of the River Plate, his conduct being described as “most satisfactory”. By December 21, 1940 he was further promoted to Acting Leading Stoker which was his Rank until the end of his time aboard HMS Ajax.

In Ron’s twelve years of service with the Royal Navy he served many ships. In addition to HMS Pembroke, a total of six times, and HMS Ajax he also served HMS Valiant, HMS Alecto, HMS Dovey, HMS Rocket, and HMS Ganges. His last posting was with HMS Pembroke at the rank of Stoker/Petty Officer from April 10 to May 16, 1950.

For his honorable service in the Royal Navy Ron was awarded The War Medal 1939-1945, The Africa Star, The Atlantic Star, and The 1939-1945 Star.

On February 9, 1946 Ron married Jean Strachan Boag, whom he met in Scotland. They moved back to Stutton, Ipswich and had four daughters; Anne, Glenise, Rona & Marion. From 1950 Ron worked at Imperial Chemical Industries in the Image Data department. He continued with the company for 35 years, retiring in 1985. During his time working at ICI Ron spent 15 years as a member of the site firefighting team, using skills learned while in the Royal Navy.

Ron’s interests outside of work were gardening, football & cricket (playing both sports to a high level while in and out of the Royal Navy) and later in life playing darts for his local pub.

Ron passed away peacefully on June 21, 2003 survived by eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.

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