Ranald Reid facts for kids

Air Vice Marshal Sir George Ranald MacFarlane Reid, also known as Sir Ranald Reid, was an important Scottish officer in the Royal Air Force. He was born on October 25, 1893, and passed away on May 19, 1991.

Sir Ranald started his flying career during the First World War. He first served in the army before joining the Royal Flying Corps, which later became the Royal Air Force. He rose through many leadership roles in the RAF and played a key part in the Second World War.

Sir Ranald Reid: A Brave Air Force Leader

Early Life and First World War Heroics

Starting His Military Journey

George Ranald MacFarlane Reid was born in Ardeer, Scotland. He began his military training even before the First World War started. In August 1914, he became a temporary second lieutenant, which is a junior officer rank.

He first saw action with a group called the Black Watch. In January 1915, he was injured during the Battle of Festubert. Luckily, his injury was not too serious.

Flying High in World War I

Soon after his injury, in January 1915, Reid started training to become a pilot. By October 1915, he had earned his pilot's certificate. He was then assigned to No. 25 Squadron RFC.

As a pilot, Reid showed great skill. In May 1916, he helped destroy three enemy aircraft. He flew a Royal Aircraft Factory FE.2b plane with another pilot, Lieutenant James Anderson Mann. For his bravery and success, Reid was awarded the Military Cross (MC) in June 1916.

He then moved to No. 20 Squadron RFC. Here, he became a Flight Commander, which meant he led a group of planes. With his new plane, an FE.2d, and his gunner, Lieutenant Laurence H. Scott, he helped achieve six more victories. In total, Reid was credited with destroying seven German planes and forcing two others down. Because of his continued bravery, he received a Bar to his Military Cross in November 1916. This meant he had earned the award a second time.

In 1917, Reid was promoted to temporary major. He then took command of No. 18 Squadron RFC on the Western Front. Later, in July 1918, he was given command of No. 211 Squadron RAF.

Between the Wars: Rising Through the Ranks

New Commands and Learning

After the First World War, Reid continued his service. In May 1919, he took command of No. 206 Squadron RAF. This squadron moved from the Western Front to Germany and then to Egypt. Along the way, it was renamed No. 47 Squadron RAF.

In August 1919, he was promoted to squadron leader. After this command ended in December 1920, he spent three years working in staff roles. In April 1924, he took command of No. 99 Squadron RAF.

In July 1925, he was promoted again, to wing commander. He then commanded RAF Spitalgate and later became the Senior RAF Officer in Khartoum.

A Diplomatic Role

After returning to England in 1930, Reid attended important military colleges. These included the RAF Staff College and the Imperial Defence College. In July 1932, he became a group captain.

In March 1933, he took on a special role as Air Attaché to the United States. This meant he represented the Royal Air Force in Washington, D.C. While there, he became engaged to Leslie Livermore Wright.

Upon his return to England in October 1935, he commanded RAF Upper Heyford. He was promoted to air commodore in July 1936.

Leading in the Second World War

Protecting British Interests

Before the Second World War, Reid became the Air Officer Commanding British Forces Aden. This was an important leadership position. In April 1939, he reached the rank of air vice marshal.

While in Aden, he had to plan air operations to support British defense efforts in Somaliland. Even though it was difficult to station planes close to the action, Reid managed these operations well. His leadership earned him a Mention in Despatches twice. This is an award for brave or important actions in battle.

Important Leadership Roles

After his time in Aden, Reid returned to England in July 1941. He became the Air Officer Administration at the Headquarters of Flying Training Command. This role involved managing the training of new pilots.

He then moved on to command No. 54 Group in June 1943. Finally, in December 1944, he became the Air Officer Commanding West Africa.

After the Wars: A Life of Service

Sir Ranald Reid retired from the Royal Air Force in January 1946. He had served his country for 32 years, through both the First and Second World Wars.

Even after retirement, he continued to serve. In 1952, he was honored with the appointment of Gentleman Usher to King George VI. He continued in this role for Queen Elizabeth II. He later resigned as a Gentleman Usher but was appointed an Extra Gentleman Usher, showing his continued connection to the Royal Family.