Ronald Bannerman
Encyclopedia
Air Commodore Ronald Burns Bannerman was a flying ace
during World War I, as well as serving as a high level administrator for his native New Zealand's air force during World War II.
on 29 March 1917 and undertook further training, amassing 53 hours solo flight time.
. 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 end. His first 15 wins were achieved flying Sopwith Dolphin #C3879; his last two were scored from Dolphin #E4716. His final tally included 14 enemy airplanes destroyed and only two 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 W. Gillet, Frederic Ives Lord
, John McNeaney
, and Edgar Taylor.
Bannerman ended the war a Captain with two awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross
. He had 396 hours flight time in approximately 190 combat sorties. He was New Zealand's third ranking ace.
He answered his nation's call during World War II, using his skills as the Air Member for Personnel for the RNZAF from November 1942 through October 1945, achieving the rank of Air Commodore in the process. He was awarded a CBE
for his services.
He resumed his legal career after World War II. He died at this retirement home in Gore, New Zealand on 2 August 1978.
Lieut. 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 (DFC) Bar
Lieut. (A./Capt.) 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.
Flying ace
A flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
during World War I, as well as serving as a high level administrator for his native New Zealand's air force during World War II.
Early life and training
Ronald Burns Bannerman was born 21 September 1890, the son of William D. D. Bannerman and Agnes Gibson McEwen. The younger Bannerman's education took him from Otago Boys High School onward to study law at Otago University. He was one of a dozen members of the class enrolled at the New Zealand Flying School in March 1916. He passed his flight tests in December. After a voyage to England, he joined the Royal Flying CorpsRoyal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
on 29 March 1917 and undertook further training, amassing 53 hours solo flight time.
War service
He flew a Sopwith Dolphin for 79 Squadron, scoring his initial victory on 4 August 1918 by destroying a Fokker D.VIIFokker D.VII
The Fokker D.VII was a German World War I fighter aircraft designed by Reinhold Platz of the Fokker-Flugzeugwerke. Germany produced around 3,300 D.VII aircraft in the summer and autumn of 1918. In service, the D.VII quickly proved itself to be a formidable aircraft...
. 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 end. His first 15 wins were achieved flying Sopwith Dolphin #C3879; his last two were scored from Dolphin #E4716. His final tally included 14 enemy airplanes destroyed and only two driven down out of control. He was also a balloon buster
Balloon buster
Balloon busters were military pilots known for destroying enemy observation balloons. These pilots were noted for their fearlessness. Seventy-six fighter pilots in World War I were each credited with destroying five or more balloons, and thus were balloon aces....
, 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 W. Gillet, Frederic Ives Lord
Frederic Ives Lord
Frederic Ives Lord or sometimes Frederick Ives Lord, was a Captain, a World War I flying ace, and a soldier of fortune who fought in five wars.-Early years:...
, John McNeaney
John McNeaney
John Harry McNeaney was a Canadian First World War flying ace, flying with both the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force. He was credited with five aerial victories. John McNeaney was the only Canadian Sopwith Dolphin Ace.-Personal life:...
, and Edgar Taylor.
Bannerman ended the war a Captain with two awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to personnel of the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and other services, and formerly to officers of other Commonwealth countries, for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against...
. He had 396 hours flight time in approximately 190 combat sorties. He was New Zealand's third ranking ace.
Later life
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 RAF'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 answered his nation's call during World War II, using his skills as the Air Member for Personnel for the RNZAF from November 1942 through October 1945, achieving the rank of Air Commodore in the process. He was awarded a CBE
CBE
CBE and C.B.E. are abbreviations for "Commander of the Order of the British Empire", a grade in the Order of the British Empire.Other uses include:* Chemical and Biochemical Engineering...
for his services.
He resumed his legal career after World War II. He died at this retirement home in Gore, New Zealand on 2 August 1978.
Citations for military honors
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC)Lieut. 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 (DFC) Bar
Lieut. (A./Capt.) 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.