1201735, Warrant Officer (Pilot), 1 Ferry Unit. Royal Air Force.
Killed on the 31st March 1945 aged 32.
Kenneth Prater was born in 1913 the son of Mr.& Mrs A.G.Prater who lived at " Woodview" , Fishers Green. He was educated at Alleynes Grammar School between 1921 and 1930 and was a keen sportsman who favoured Tennis, Badminton and Squash. When he left school he was captain of his house, a prefect and had received his school colours in both football and cricket.
Before joining the RAF he was employed as a sales representative for the Michelin Tyre Company. Kenneth joined the RAF in 1940 and trained as a Pilot. He flew many thousands of miles in Africa and India whilst serving with Ferry Command. During this time he received considerable injuries when his aircraft caught fire and he spent some time recovering at home. Eventually he was posted to Worcester after making a full recovery.
On the 31st March 1945 he was detailed to fly a Mosquito, TA226, to Cairo but was killed instantly when his aircraft crashed shortly after take off from Portreath airfield in Cornwall on a flight to Istres.
Kenneth was cremated at Golders Green crematorium and his name is recorded on the memorial there.