Jimmy Rawnsley

Career

Rawnsley initially served as an air-gunner but retrained to become a navigator/radar operator and was sent to Number. 604 Squadron Royal Air Force flying Beaufighters. Using the new airborne interception (Artificial Intelligence) equipment (an early form of airborne radar).

Using this tracking device at night, Rawnsley was able to guide Cunningham onto targets.

Their first confirmed "kill" came on the night of 19 – 20 November, 1940, when they downed a German Junkers Ju-88 bomber over Oxfordshire. On 4 April, 1941 he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) to which he added a Bar on 23 May of the same year.

In January 1943, Rawnsley transferred to Number. 85 Squadron Royal Air Force along with Cunningham.

They now flew a Mosquito and within the year has downed four more enemy aircraft.

In 1957 Rawnsley published (with Robert Wright) a memoir detailing his wartime career in the book Night Fighter. Covering his partnership with Cunningham, it gives a clear insight into the methods the pair used to find and down enemy aircraft. 4 April 1941 – Sergeant Cecil Frederick Rawnsley, Auxiliary Air Force, Number.

Achievements

• 4 April 1941 – Sergeant Cecil Frederick Rawnsley, Auxiliary Air Force, Number. 604 Squadron is awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: 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. 23 May 1941 – Sergeant Cecil Frederick Rawnsley, DFM (804251), Auxiliary Air Force, Number. 604 Squadron is awarded a Bar to his Distinguished Flying Medal in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: 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. 19 September 1941 – Pilot Officer Cecil Frederick Rawnsley, DFM, Number. 604 Squadron, is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy. 26 October 1943 – Flight Lieutenant Cecil Frederick Rawnsley, Distinguished Flying Cross, DFM (102089) Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, Number. 85 Squadron is awarded the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy: As observer, Flight Lieutenant Rawnsley has participated in more than 200 sorties and his brilliant work is 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. 1946 Distinguished Flying Cross (United States).

Membership

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.