Ralph Harry Strong was born in Canada, the son of Robert and Harriet Maude Strong, of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, he enlisted into The Royal Tank Regiment and then volunteered for the airborne forces.
Private Strong undertook parachute training on course number 73 at RAF Ringway from 19 to 28 July 1943. His course report states that he was 'Well disciplined, prompt and fearless', he was posted to B Company the 6th (Royal Welch) Parachute Battalion.
He took part in the amphibious landings in Italy in September 1943, on board a mine layer, HMS Abdiel. Unfortunately, HMS Abdiel struck a mine in Taranto Harbour causing significant casualties and loss of life, including Pte Strong.
Pte Strong died at sea on 10 September 1943.
His body was recovered and buried in a common grave at Taranto. He was later identified and re-interred in Bari British Military Cemetery on 20 May 1944.
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By Rod Gibson
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