Nationality:

British

Servicenumber 191459.

Alexander John Mackay joined the Home Guard in South England when the Second World War started. Later he joined the Royal Air Force and was trained as a fighter pilot in Texas, United States. After a crash he was re-trained as navigator/bomb-aimer in Trentham, Canada. He was then commissioned on 19th January 1945.

When the war ended he left the RAF and served in Palestine (receiving the Palestine Bar to his General Service Medal). On 1st October 1950 he was re-commissioned as a Flying Officer and finally became a Wing Commander by his retirement on 25th November 1972.
On 1st January 1964 he was awarded the Military Division to the Member of the British Empire.

Promotions:
19th January 1945: Pilot Officer (on probation);
19th July 1945: Flying Officer (war sub.);
28th December 1948: Pilot Officer (seniority 16th April 1947);
1st October 1950: Flying Officer (seniority 16th April 1949);
1st July 1959: Squadron Leader.

Career:
25th November 1972: Retirement.

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Pilot Officer

Unit:

No. 49 Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 25th, 1945

Citation:
"Pilot Officer MacKay has completed many sorties against heavily defended targets in Germany, despite intense anti-aircraft fire. One night in October 1944, when his aircraft was attacked whilst on a bombing run over Brunswick, he calmly continued the run and successfully bombed his objective. On another occasion in November 1944, one engine of his aircraft was put out of action while over Homberg, but he successfully completed his mission. On yet another occasion his crew were detailed to bomb the battleship Lutzow in Gdynia harbour. Heavy opposition was encountered and they were forced to make four runs over the target before releasing their bombs. At all times this officer has displayed a high degree of skill, courage and devotion to duty."

Published in The London Gazette dated 25th September 1945.

• - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 23rd March 1945, Issue 37000, dated 27th March 1945
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 7th August 1945, Issue 37215, dated 10th August 1945
  - Third Supplement to The London Gazette of 21st September 1945, Issue 37281, dated 25th September 1945
  - Supplement to The London Gazette of 25th February 1949, Issue 38547, dated 1st March 1949
  - Second Supplement to The London Gazette of 2nd February 1951, Issue 39141, dated 6th February 1951
  - Supplement to The London Gazette of 25th February 1949, Issue 38547, dated 1st March 1949
  - Supplement to The London Gazette of 31st December 1963, Issue 43200, dated 1st January 1964
  - Supplement to The London Gazette of 1st January 1973, Issue 45867, dated 2nd January 1973
  - Royal Air Force Commands