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Rawnsley, Cecil Frederick "Jimmy"

Date of birth:
1904
Date of death:
February 12th, 1965
Service number:
102089
Nationality:
British

Biography

Jimmy Rawnsley was the radar operator of John Cunningham.


Promotions:
July 14th, 1941: Pilot Officer (probation)
April 14th, 1942: Flying Officer (war sub)
April 14th, 1943: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
April 4th, 1941
Citation:
"Sergeant Rawnsley has shown great keenness both as an air gunner and radio operator and has materially assisted his pilot to destroy two enemy aircraft."
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Sergeant
Unit:
No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
May 23rd, 1941
Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
Citation:
"This airman has continued to display the greatest ability and efficiency as wireless operator. He has assisted his pilot in the destruction of at least 7 enemy aircraft. He has been a splendid inspiration to his fellow operators."

Second DFM awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFM.
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Pilot Officer
Unit:
No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
September 19th, 1941
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
Citation:
Wing Commander Cunningham continues to uphold and improve his outstanding record as a night fighter pilot. With his observer air gunner, Pilot Officer Rawnsley, brilliant tactics and perfect teamwork have been displayed in the pursuit of enemy aircraft at night. Since April, 1941, they have added a further four enemy aircraft to previous victories. Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Cunningham has been greatly assisted by Pilot Officer Rawnsley whose skill has been outstanding."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Flight Lieutenant
Unit:
No. 85 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:
October 26th, 1943
Distinguished Service Order (DSO)
Citation:
"As observer, Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has participated in more than 200 sorties and his brilliant work has been beyond praise. He has assisted in the destruction of 17 enemy aircraft, 16 of them at night. In addition to his work in the air, Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has devoted much service towards the training of other members of aircraft and his efforts have been attended with excellent results. Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has rendered invaluable service."
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)

Met "BATTLE OF BRRITAIN"-gesp.
1939-1945 Star
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Acting Squadron Leader
Awarded on:
June 14th, 1946
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Sources

  • - The London Gazette Issue 35127 published on the 4 April 1941
    - The London Gazette Issue 35171 published on the 23 May 1941
    - The London Gazette Issue 35279 published on the 19 September 1941
    - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36223 published on the 22 October 1943
    - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37610 published on the 11 June 1946
    - Artefact

Photo