Ronald was born on 16 May 1921 in Marylebone, London to Polish born Frank who died in 1939 and Lithuanian born Yetta née Siegler who died in 1935. Ronald had two younger siblings, Betty and Stuart, who after the death of their father emigrated in 1940 to the USA. Ronald enlisted in the RAF the same year.

Ronald previously served in 101 Squadron where he was awarded a DFC for displaying high skill and devotion to duty.

Ronald was the navigator in Lancaster ND345 which departed RAF Warboys on a night operation to Stuttgart. The aircraft was hit by flak on the return leg whilst over Mannheim and exploded. The pilot, F/L D K Mackay DFC was thrown clear and became a prisoner of war interned in Camp L3, POW number 3612.

F/S. DK Mackay, DFC, RCAF, POW
Sgt. JCL Reed
P/O. R. Halperin, DFC
Sgt.GP Roche
F/L. BO Petrides, DFM
F/O. J. Moffat, DFC
S/L. A.Muir, DFC