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| PERSONALIA |
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| Name: |
Rankin, James |
| Date of birth: | May 7th, 1913 (Edinburgh/Scotland, Great Britain)
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| Nationality: |
British |
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BIOGRAPHY:
Service number 37210.
Born in Edinburgh, his family later moved to Lancashire. Following training, he joined No 25 Squadron and later flew with the Fleet Air Arm. For nearly two years, he was occupied on instructional duties but in 1941 he became operational, initially gaining experience with No 64 Squadron before taking command of No 92 Squadron a month later. He later led the Biggin Hill Wing on two separate occasions before going on to command fighter wings in 2nd Tactical Air Force. His final tally was 17 confirmed and five shared destroyed, three probables and two shared, 16 damaged and three shared and one destroyed on the water.
In 1948 he was Air Attache, Dublin. and in 1954 was Officer Commanding, RAF Duxford.
He retired from the RAF in 1958.
Promotions:
April 16th, 1935: Actin Pilot Officer
April 16th, 1936: Pilot Officer
October 16th, 1937: Flying Officer
October 16th, 1939: Flight Lieutenant
December 1st, 1940: Squadron leader (temp)
May 21st, 1942: Wing Commander (temp)
August 1st, 1943: Acting Group Captain
February 1st, 1944: Wing Comamnder (war sub)
1945: Acting Air Commodore
July 1st, 1947: Wing Commander
July 1st, 1952: Group Captain
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Squadron Leader
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Unit:
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No. 92 Squadron, Royal Air Force
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Awarded on:
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July 11th, 1941
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Action:
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Citation:
"Since March, 1941, this officer has led his squadron in operations over the Straits and Northern France in the course of which he has destroyed at least nine enemy aircraft and also damaged one of their trawlers. He has displayed excellent qualities of leadership and a high standard of courage which is reflected in the fact that recently, within the space of twelve days, he has destroyed six enemy fighters. Two of these were shot down in flames within one minute. He has been an inspiration to his fellow pilots."
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DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (DFC)
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Rank:
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Flight Sergeant
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Unit:
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Reserve of Air Force Officer, No. 92 Squadron, Royal Air force
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Awarded on:
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September 2nd, 1941
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Action:
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Citation:
"This officer was appointed to command the squadron in February, 1941, and, under his leadership, it has destroyed fifty-three enemy aircraft. Of this number Squadron Leader Rankin has himself destroyed at least thirteen; in addition he has damaged three enemy aircraft. He has on several recent occasions led the wing with great success and has at all times displayed the greatest keenness to engage and destroy the enemy."
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Details:
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Second DFC awarded as a bar dor on the ribbon of the first DFC.
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO)
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Rank:
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Acting Wing Commander
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Unit:
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Resereve of Air Force Officers, Royal Air force
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Awarded on:
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December 2nd, 1941
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Action:
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Citation:
"Since the end of August, 1941, this officer has participated in 21 operational sorties in which he has destroyed 5 hostile aircraft. This brings his total victories to 18 destroyed and also he has probably destroyed, or damaged a number or others. He is an outstanding wing leader who has displayed exceptional ability, determination and courage on all occasions."
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DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER (DSO)
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Rank:
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Wing Commander
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Unit:
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Reserve of Air Force Officer, Royal Air force
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Awarded on:
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June 30th, 1942
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Action:
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Citation:
"Since he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in November, 1941, Wing Commander Rankin has completed 54 operational sorties. On all these occasions he led the wing which destroyed 27 hostile aircraft and damaged many more. Of these Wing Commander Rankin personally destroyed 3 and damaged at least 8 enemy aircraft. This officer has now brought his total victories to 21 enemy aircraft destroyed. He has at all tines displayed great tactical skill, courage and leadership combined with a great determination to seek and engage the enemy."
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Details:
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Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.
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