Ron Gellatly joined the RNZAF in 1940. Between 1942 and 1945 he did 77 light bomber and GR operations. He commanded 293 Sqn RAF from October 1944 to July 1945. He gained a permanent commission in 1947.He attended the ETPS in 1950 and was helciopter flight commander at A&AEE from 1951-1954. He joined Fairey Aviation where he flew the maiden flights of the Fairey Ultralight and Rotodyne. When Fairey was merged into Westland he continued test flying various models,he became Chief Test Pilot of Westland and flew the maiden flight of the Lynx.
