John William Rayner facts for kids

Wing Commander John William Rayner MBE JP (born 19 May 1897) was a brave British military officer. He started his career in the Army during World War I. He became a special kind of pilot called a flying ace near the end of that war. This meant he had shot down five enemy aircraft.

After the war, he rejoined the military in 1929. He continued to serve during World War II in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He retired in 1944 as a Wing Commander. For his great service, he was given an important award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Early Life and First Steps in the Army

John William Rayner was born on May 19, 1897, in a town called Gateshead in England. Before he joined the military, he was training to become a lawyer. This kind of training was called being a legal articled clerk.

When World War I began, John joined the Army. He trained to become an officer. On April 14, 1915, he became a Second Lieutenant. He served in the 1st Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers, which was an infantry regiment. He was promoted to Lieutenant later that year.

Becoming a Pilot in World War I

In 1917, John decided to join the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of the British Army at the time. He first trained as an air observer, which meant he flew in planes to spot enemy positions. He served with No. 52 Squadron RFC.

After this, he trained to become a pilot himself. He earned his pilot's license in September 1917. He was then appointed as a Flying Officer. He spent some time at a training unit called No. 89 Squadron RFC.

On April 1, 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service joined together. They formed a new, bigger air force called the Royal Air Force (RAF). John then joined No. 60 Squadron RAF in France. Here, he flew a fast, single-seat fighter plane called the S.E.5a. He became a flight commander for 'A' Flight in August 1918, holding the temporary rank of Captain.

John Rayner: A Flying Ace

John Rayner became a "flying ace" in just a few weeks. A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy aircraft.

His first victories happened on September 5, 1918. He shot down one German Fokker D.VII plane and forced another to crash. On October 23, he forced another D.VII down. Then, on October 25, he shot down one D.VII and forced another to crash. With these five victories, he officially became a flying ace!

Between the World Wars

After World War I ended, John Rayner left the Royal Air Force in January 1919. In July 1919, he received a special recognition called a "mention in despatches." This was a way to praise soldiers for their "distinguished and gallant services." He officially left the Army in April 1920.

John then went back to his legal studies. He became a qualified solicitor, which is a type of lawyer.

However, he missed military life. On September 10, 1929, he rejoined the military. He became a probationary Flying Officer in the Reserve of Air Force Officers. This meant he was part of the air force but not on active duty all the time. Six years later, he moved to a different part of the reserves.

Service in World War II

When World War II began, John Rayner returned to active service. He was still part of the Reserves. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant in August 1940. He received another "mention in despatches" in September 1941 for his excellent service. By this time, he was an acting Squadron Leader.

In September 1943, he officially joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a Flight Lieutenant. He was again made an acting Squadron Leader. This rank became permanent for the duration of the war in March 1944. Just two days later, he received his third "mention in despatches."

John Rayner had to leave the military on December 21, 1944, because of health reasons. However, he was allowed to keep the rank of Wing Commander. This was a high rank, showing his long and dedicated service. Soon after, in the 1945 New Year Honours, he was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This is a very important award given for outstanding service to the country.

After the war, John Rayner went back to working in law. He also became a Justice of the Peace, which means he helped with local legal matters and minor court cases.

See also

• Aerial victory standards of World War I