Salke (Betzalel-Salka) was born in 1910 in Galicia and immigrated to Israel in 1933. He was an active member of Beitar and the National Workers’ Union. Records state that Salke was a ‘local enlistment’ in the Middle East into the Royal Air Force and enlisted after July 1940.

The 145 Squadron Operational Record Book on 12th August 1943 states the following: ‘The landing ground was subjected to an intense bombing raid for 40 minutes from 22.15 last night when an estimated 30 enemy aircraft dropped H/E and A/P bombs on Lentini East and West and on 239 Wing at Agnone. Bombing was accurate, the enemy aircraft being assisted by a brilliant moon and a fire caused by the first bomb hitting a petrol dump. 3 airmen were killed and 7 others injured.’