Date of birth:

May 7th, 1913 (Edinburgh/Scotland, Great Britain)

Nationality:

British

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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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Squadron Leader

Unit:

No. 92 (East India) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

July 11th, 1941

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."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Flight Sergeant

Unit:

No. 92 (East India) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Awarded on:

September 2nd, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Awarded on:

December 2nd, 1941

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."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Wing Commander

Awarded on:

March 3rd, 1942

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Wing Commander

Awarded on:

June 30th, 1942

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."

Second DSO awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DSO.

• - SHORES, CH. & WILLIAMS, C., Aces High, Grub Street, London, 1994.
  - The London Gazette Issue 35217 published on the 11 July 1941
  - The London Gazette Issue 35263 published on the 2 September 1941
  - third Supplement to The london Gazette Issue 35364 published on the 28 November 1941
  - Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35614 published on the 26 June 1942
  - Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation