Mystery of RAF Aircraftswoman Murder Reopened After 53 Years
Thames Valley Police are urgently seeking information in the cold case murder of 19-year-old Aircraftswoman Rita Ellis. The young RAF recruit from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, was found strangled and sexually assaulted near RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire, in November 1967.
RAF Recruit Found Dead Near Disused Railway
Rita Ellis disappeared shortly before her body was discovered by a dog walker at 10:30am on Sunday, 12 November 1967. Her body was hidden beneath leaves and foliage near an old coal yard, around 250 yards from the main road between Wendover and Tring.
At the time, the local police force was Buckinghamshire Constabulary, with New Scotland Yard leading the investigation. Thames Valley Police, who now cover the area, have reopened the case.
Police Plea: ‘Who Killed Rita Ellis?’
Major Crime Review Team head Peter Beirne pleaded with the public: “There will be people out there who have suspicions about who murdered Rita Ellis and we want to hear from them. Just give us the name of who you suspect — no personal details needed.”
He added, “The person responsible will have carried this horrific secret for 53 years. They may have confided in someone. Even if you think your information is insignificant, please come forward now. Allegiances may have changed, or you couldn’t speak out before. This is your chance.”
Tip-offs can be made via phone at 101 or by email at [email protected].
Family Calls for Justice Decades On
Rita was the eldest of four siblings. Her sister Tina, only 10 when Rita was killed, spoke out on the 50th anniversary in 2017:
“Rita was wonderful – so kind and caring but painfully shy. Joining the RAF gave her confidence and broadened her horizons.”
“After her death, I was haunted by nightmares and kept wondering if she suffered.”
“Her murder has deeply affected our family. My mother, who was very close to Rita, was never the same and passed away on the same date – 11th November – in 1994.”
“It’s time for justice. Someone, somewhere knows something. Please help bring closure and peace for Rita.”
Rita’s RAF Life Cut Tragically Short
- Joined RAF on 28 April 1967, initially training at Spittlegate RAF, Lincolnshire
- Transferred to RAF Halton on 21 June 1967
- Worked as trade assistant, pursuing extra qualifications
- Lived in Women’s Royal Airforce accommodation at building 314, block 7
Police continue to appeal for any information to crack this decades-old murder mystery.
