Reuben's Story

Reuben Eckersall 978501 RAFVR was a Flight Sergeant with 21 BDS. He was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery, one of six medal winners in GCI 15082.

He was born on 13 September 1911 in Farnworth, a district of Bolton, Lancashire; he died on 29 August 2003 in Exeter, aged 91. After the war, he worked as an electrical engineer. A Mrs Clare Eckersall, believed to be Reuben’s widow, lived in Farnworth, Bolton, in 2007: website owner Peter Best wrote to her in that year but got no reply. Peter’s father, Squadron Leader Norman Best, and Reuben recovered drowned kit off the beach under fire. It was this action that earned both men their medals for valour.

Website researcher Ron is attempting to obtain Reuben’s Service Record. He has his death certificate, which is a pre-requisite, but is still awaiting the Service Record. We will update this article if and when we receive it.

We have Reuben’s medal citation in the London Gazette. We also have his original recommendation from the National Archives: he was a Radar / Mechanic (not an Armourer).

978501 Flight Sergeant Reuben ECKERSALL, RAFVR

This airman’s gallantry under fire whilst convoying men and vehicles on and over the beaches of Normandy on “D” day was of a high order. He went forward under fire with an officer and made a reconnaissance with the object of finding a safe area for men and equipment. He gave sound advice to his men and his supervision of the ferrying of valuable equipment was highly praiseworthy.

Reuben’s son, Malcolm Eckersall, wrote to The RAF at Omaha Beach website editor on 4 June 2024, “I have only today discovered your splendid video – having on some previous years visited St. Mere Église at this time of year. Those visits followed another discovery made some eight/nine years ago when, following my mother’s demise I discovered the George (actually Military – Editor) Medal awarded to my late father, Ruben (Reuben) Robert Eckersall, along with a letter praising his role on Omaha Beach as a member of 21 BDS.

With the medal was a personal diary describing subsequent activity in Paris.” 

We wrote back to Mr Eckersall but have not heard from him again.