Ronald was the son of Arthur Yeo, an Aeronautical Engineer from Farnborough, who emigrated to South Africa in the early 20's and settled in Johannesburg.

After matriculating on the General Botha, went to sea with British Tankers for five years. Obtained his 2nd. Mates in 1936.

Due to the depression he was unable to get a berth, but managed to work his passage back to South Africa after digging roads in London.

In 1937 he joined the Johannesburg Traffic Department in its infancy, there were only a handful of officers.

At the outbreak of World War II in 1939 he joined the S. A. Air Force, Obtained his wings, and was promoted to Flying Instructor. In 1943 he went North for active service in the desert and Italy, where he was awarded the D.F.C.

He married Marie Frances Schlegelmilch in 1940 and had two sons, Brian and Roy.

After the war he joined his father in his firm, Davies Engineering Works in Brakpan.( General engineering & welding construction) mainly contract work for the gold mines in those days. He, together with his younger brother Johnny, inherited the firm after his fathers death in 1949.

His wife Marie passed away in 1964,(cancer). He remarried in 1968 and passed away in 1972 of a heart attack.

After the war and until his death he was very active.
In 1946 with Sailor Malan (#168 1924-25) in the Torch Commando.
After 1948 in the M O T H order, being a founder member of the Cosy Corner Shell-Hole in Brakpan. During the years untill his death he served as Shell- Hole, District & Reginal Old Bill,and was always a member of some or other committee.
It is believed that his medals etc are with the shell hole in Brakpan.

His Photo Album

5th. December 2003
Information supplied by his son Brian