Rawnsley, Cecil Frederick "Jimmy"
- Date of birth:
- 1904
- Date of death:
- February 12th, 1965
- Service number:
- 102089
- Nationality:
- British
Biography
Jimmy Rawnsley was the radar operator of John Cunningham.
Promotions:
July 14th, 1941: Pilot Officer (probation)
April 14th, 1942: Flying Officer (war sub)
April 14th, 1943: Flight Lieutenant (war sub)
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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Sergeant
- Unit:
- No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- April 4th, 1941
"Sergeant Rawnsley has shown great keenness both as an air gunner and radio operator and has materially assisted his pilot to destroy two enemy aircraft."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Sergeant
- Unit:
- No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- May 23rd, 1941
Citation:
"This airman has continued to display the greatest ability and efficiency as wireless operator. He has assisted his pilot in the destruction of at least 7 enemy aircraft. He has been a splendid inspiration to his fellow operators."
Second DFM awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFM.
"This airman has continued to display the greatest ability and efficiency as wireless operator. He has assisted his pilot in the destruction of at least 7 enemy aircraft. He has been a splendid inspiration to his fellow operators."
Second DFM awarded as a bar for on the ribbon of the first DFM.
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Pilot Officer
- Unit:
- No. 604 (County of Middlesex) Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- September 19th, 1941
Citation:
Wing Commander Cunningham continues to uphold and improve his outstanding record as a night fighter pilot. With his observer air gunner, Pilot Officer Rawnsley, brilliant tactics and perfect teamwork have been displayed in the pursuit of enemy aircraft at night. Since April, 1941, they have added a further four enemy aircraft to previous victories. Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Cunningham has been greatly assisted by Pilot Officer Rawnsley whose skill has been outstanding."
Wing Commander Cunningham continues to uphold and improve his outstanding record as a night fighter pilot. With his observer air gunner, Pilot Officer Rawnsley, brilliant tactics and perfect teamwork have been displayed in the pursuit of enemy aircraft at night. Since April, 1941, they have added a further four enemy aircraft to previous victories. Throughout the operations, Wing Commander Cunningham has been greatly assisted by Pilot Officer Rawnsley whose skill has been outstanding."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Flight Lieutenant
- Unit:
- No. 85 Squadron, Royal Air Force
- Awarded on:
- October 26th, 1943
Citation:
"As observer, Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has participated in more than 200 sorties and his brilliant work has been beyond praise. He has assisted in the destruction of 17 enemy aircraft, 16 of them at night. In addition to his work in the air, Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has devoted much service towards the training of other members of aircraft and his efforts have been attended with excellent results. Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has rendered invaluable service."
"As observer, Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has participated in more than 200 sorties and his brilliant work has been beyond praise. He has assisted in the destruction of 17 enemy aircraft, 16 of them at night. In addition to his work in the air, Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has devoted much service towards the training of other members of aircraft and his efforts have been attended with excellent results. Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has rendered invaluable service."
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)
- Period:
- Second World War (1939-1945)
- Rank:
- Acting Squadron Leader
- Awarded on:
- June 14th, 1946
Sources
- - The London Gazette Issue 35127 published on the 4 April 1941
- The London Gazette Issue 35171 published on the 23 May 1941
- The London Gazette Issue 35279 published on the 19 September 1941
- Third Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 36223 published on the 22 October 1943
- Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 37610 published on the 11 June 1946
- Artefact
Photo
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