Ronald Bannerman

Background

Ronald Burns Bannerman was born 21 September 1890, the son of William D. D. Bannerman and Agnes Gibson McEwen.

Career

The younger Bannerman"s education took him from Otago Boys High School onward to study law at Otago University. He passed his flight tests in December. After a voyage to England, he joined the Royal Flying Corps on 29 March 1917 and undertook further training, amassing 53 hours solo flight time.

He flew a Sopwith Dolphin for 79 Squadron, scoring his initial victory on 4 August 1918 by destroying a Fokker Doctorate.VII. During the next three months, he ran his total to 17, with his last triumph coming on 4 November 1918, a week before war"s education

His final tally included 16 enemy airplanes destroyed and 22 driven down out of control. He was also a balloon buster, having downed a Drachen on 24 August for his fourth victory.

What makes Bannerman"s string of victories more remarkable was that 79 Squadron was tasked for ground attack work. None of his victories were scored above 5,000 feet altitude.

Indeed, there were only four other aces in the unit: Francis West. Gillet, Frederic Ives Lord, John McNeaney, and Edgar Taylor.

He had 396 hours flight time in approximately 190 combat sorties. He was New Zealand"s top ranking ace. He continued flying and other duties after the armistice.

By the time he closed his pilot"s log for good in June 1919, he had more than 500 hours flying time.

He was transferred to the Royal Air Force"s Unemployed List on 16 August 1919. He returned home to begin a distinguished long career as a barrister and solicitor, and had little to do with aviation for the next two decades.

He was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his services. He resumed his legal career after World World War World War II He died at a his home in Gore, New Zealand on 2 August 1978.

Achievements

• Distinguished Flying Cross (Distinguished Flying Cross) Lieutenant Ronald Burns Bannerman. During recent operations this officer has done gallant service. While on an offensive patrol with two other machines he was attacked by several Fokker biplanes, and, in the engagement, he shot down one. In addition, he has destroyed four other enemy machines. Distinguished Flying Cross (Distinguished Flying Cross) Bar Lieutenant (A/Captain) Ronald Burns Bannerman, D.F.C. (FRANCE) A bold and resolute leader, whose ability inspires confidence in those who serve with him. During the operations in September he accounted for six enemy machines, displaying marked courage and judgment.

Membership

He was one of a dozen members of the class enrolled at the New Zealand Flying School in March 1916.