Andrew MacGregor facts for kids

Andrew MacGregor was a brave Scottish pilot. He was born on October 25, 1897, and passed away on October 24, 1983. He became a "flying ace" in the First World War. This means he shot down at least five enemy planes. He also became a high-ranking leader in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War.

Early Life and Beginnings

Andrew MacGregor was born in a place called Glen Gyle, near Crieff, Scotland. This was on October 25, 1897.

A Pilot in World War I

Andrew MacGregor joined the military on April 26, 1917. He first served as an officer in the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Later that year, on November 30, 1917, he moved to the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force before it became the Royal Air Force.

He flew a plane called an Airco DH.4 with No. 57 Squadron RFC. He became a Flight Commander on May 1, 1918. Between July and September 1918, MacGregor became a "flying ace." He was officially credited with shooting down six enemy aircraft. Three of these victories were with James Grant as his gunner.

Between the Big Wars

After World War I, MacGregor left duty on May 23, 1919. But he soon rejoined the Royal Air Force on August 1, 1919. He was given a lower rank at first, but he continued his service.

He flew planes in places like Iraq, Kurdistan, and Egypt until 1924. After that, he started working in military intelligence. This meant he gathered important information for the air force.

MacGregor went to the Royal Air Force Staff College in 1927. This training helped him move up in his career. He took on more important jobs over the years. By 1938, he was helping to plan how the air force would be organized for war.

Leading in World War II

When the Second World War began, MacGregor took on even bigger roles. In 1940, he became a Senior Air Staff Officer for a bomber group. This meant he helped plan bombing missions.

He was then assigned to air forces in North Africa in 1943. In 1944, he moved to the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces. Later that year, he helped train new leaders at the RAF Staff College. On February 23, 1945, he was put in charge of No. 28 Bomber Group.

Life After Service

Andrew MacGregor's last job was at Fighter Command headquarters in 1946. He retired from the military on September 9, 1949. By then, he had reached a very high rank: Air Vice Marshal.

He went back to his hometown of Crieff in Scotland. He lived there until he passed away on October 24, 1983. He died in a hospital nearby.

Awards and Honors

Andrew MacGregor received many awards for his bravery and service. Here are some of them:

• Distinguished Flying Cross: This award is for bravery while flying.
• Mentioned in Despatches: He was mentioned four times for his good work.
• Member of the Order of the British Empire: This is an honor for important contributions.
• French Legion d'Honneur: A high honor from France.
• Officer of the American Legion of Merit: An award from the United States.
• Commander of the Order of the British Empire: A higher level of the British Empire award.
• Commander of the Order of the Crown of Belgium: An award from Belgium.
• Companion of the Order of the Bath: A very high British honor.
• Croix de guerre: Another award for bravery, often from France or Belgium.

Promotions Through the Ranks

Andrew MacGregor moved up through many ranks during his long career:

• Lieutenant: 1918
• Captain: 1918
• Flying Officer: 1919
• Flight Lieutenant: 1924
• Squadron Leader: 1932
• Wing Commander (rank): 1937
• Temporary Group Captain: 1940
• Temporary Air Commodore: 1942
• Group Captain: 1942
• Acting Air Vice Marshal: 1946
• Air Commodore: 1946
• Air Vice Marshal: 1949

Endnotes