D. A. 'Foxy' RUITER, Lieutenant, SAAF

Killed in Action, Korea, 2 March, 1951

On 2 March, 1951, No. 2 Squadron lost two of its most experienced pilots from the Second World War, Foxy Ruiter and Badie Badenhorst.

Foxy was leading a flight of four aircraft on a mission north of Wonsan when his Mustang developed engine trouble. While flying west of the target he reported that his coolant temperature was fluctuating. He asked his wingman Mickey Rorke to check his coolant shutter, and Mickey informed him that it had been closed, but was suddenly opened. Ruiter advised that his coolant temperature was fluctuating and decided to return to base. He detailed Rorke to follow him. After they had flown for a few minutes, white glycol smoke came from Ruiter's aircraft while about ten miles NNW of Wonsan Harbor. Soon the smoke turned from white to black and the engine started a series of cutting in and out.

Ruiter advised Control on 'D' Channel of his predicament, and asked if the island of Yo-Do was still in friendly hands. When informed that it was, they started a left hand circuit of the island at 5000 or 6000 feet, and Ruiter reported that he was going to bale out. When due west of the island he reported that he would attempt a forced landing on the beach. He flew down the beach, then over the sea at low altitude, then started a gradual turn to the left and about 1000 feet from the beach his left wing was seen to hit the water. The aircraft floated for a short while, then sank. Rorke noticed a brown object float away and directed two corvettes in the general direction, which searched the area without success. No body was found.