Date of birth:

January 1st, 1913 (Sialkot, India)

Date of death:

January 21st, 1975

Service number:

39101

Nationality:

British

Ginger Boyd joined the Royal Navy in 1926 as a cadet and became an acting Sub-Lieutenant in 1933. He retired from the Navy though and joined the RAF in 1936 and was posted to No. 65 Squadron after completion of his training in May 1937. In October 1939 he was posted to No. 145 Squadron as Flight Commander, seeing considerbele action in ten days over the French coast and Dunkirk. On August 8th, 1940 he was particulary succesful when he claimed 5 aircraft destroyed during three sorties.
In 1943 he served with 210 Group in The Middle East and then commanded 281 Wing , Balkan Air Force, in Italy.
At the end of thew war his tally was 15 destroyed and 3 shared destroyed.
He left the RAF in 1947.

Promotions:
September 7th, 1936: Acting Pilot Officer (probation)
July 17th, 1937: Pilot Officer
January 13th, 1939: Flying Officer
September 3th, 1940: Flight Lieutenant
January 1st, 1944: Squadron Leader (temp)
December 10th, 1944: Wing Commander (war sub)

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

June 21st, 1940

Citation:
"During a period of fourteen days Flight Lieutenant Boyd was engaged on offensive patrols almost every day. He has destroyed at least six enemy aircraft and severely damaged several more. This officer has displayed courage and determination, often attacking superior forces, and has pressed home his attacks in every case."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Flight Lieutenant

Awarded on:

August 20th, 1940

Citation:
"This flight commander has been actively engaged in flying operations against the enemy since the commencement of hostilities. By fine leadership and dauntless spirit he has enabled his flight to destroy a large number of enemy aircraft of which he has himself, shot down, or severely damaged, at least twelve."

Second DFC awarded as a bar to be worn on the ribbon of the first DFC.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Awarded on:

December 2nd, 1941

Citation:
"Since August, 1941, this officer has led the wing on numerous occasions greatly distinguishing himself throughout. His excellent leadership and tactical ability have been of great value when difficulties have been encountered. Wing Commander Boyd has destroyed at least 16 enemy aircraft."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Awarded on:

January 1st, 1943

• Photo 1: Tom MacNeill
• - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High, Grub Street, London, 1994.
  - The London Gazette Issue 34878 published on the 21 June 1940
  - The London Gazette Issue 34927 published on the 20 August 1940
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35364 published on the 28 November 1941
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35841 published on the 29 December 1942
  - Cieldegloire