MacKinnon, Lawrence Leroy

Date of birth:: April 17th, 1922 (Ladysmith/Alberta, Canada)
Service number:: J/19268
Nationality:: Canadian

Biography

MacKinnon was raised in Ponoka. He served five years in the Royal Canadian Artillery before enlisting in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. He trained at several flight schools across Canada and graduated as a Sergeant in October 1942. Shortly after, he was posted overseas to the Royal Air Force.

MacKinnon was commissioned in June 1943 and quickly advanced through the ranks, becoming a Flight Lieutenant in early 1944 and Squadron Leader by June. He flew with No. 405 Squadron and completed two operational tours totaling 50 sorties. His courage and skill earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross in May 1944, officially gazetted in June.

By February 1945, MacKinnon had been promoted to Wing Commander and was responsible for operations at a key RCAF base in England. He played a central role in coordinating bomber missions, including the final attack on Cologne before its fall. His leadership extended beyond combat; he was photographed participating in blood donor clinics and working in staff roles at No. 6 Group Headquarters.

After repatriation to Canada in mid-1945, MacKinnon continued to serve with No. 405 Squadron and later at Station Greenwood before being released from service in January 1946. His DSO and DFC were formally presented in Toronto in 1951.

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Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Flight Lieutenant
Unit:: No. 405 (Vancouver) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: June 6th, 1944

Public Records Office Air 2/8780 has recommendation by W/C R.J. Lane dated 23 March 1944 when he had flown 31 sorties (190 hours 44 minutes).

"This officer is a very capable pilot and captain. He has carried out 31 operational sorties, some of which have been against the enemy's most heavily defended targets such as Berlin, Hanover and Munich. The determination, skill and devotion to duty displayed by this officer has done much to keep the morale of the aircrew of this squadron at a high standard. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. "

Distinguished Service Order (DSO)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Squadron Leader
Unit:: No. 405 (Vancouver) Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force
Awarded on:: September 29th, 1944

"This officer has completed a second tour of operational duty during which he has successfully attacked a variety of targets, many of them in Northern France. He is an outstanding pilot, a dauntless captain and inspiring leader. His example has been well illustrated in the fine fighting spirit of the squadron."

Recommendation:

"This officer is an outstanding pilot and captain who has completed two tours of operations, most of his sorties having been directed against strongly defended German targets. Squadron Leader MacKinnon is an exceptional leader who, by his personal example of fearlessness and extreme devotion to duty, has inspired his crew with the same unquenchable spirit. Undoubtedly, the fine example set by this officer in the performance of his duties has had a salutary effect on all members of this squadron. Strongly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Service Order. "