John William Rayner
John William Rayner | |
|---|---|
| Born | 19 May 1897 Gateshead, County Durham, England |
| Died | 8 September 1989 (aged 92) Windermere, Cumbria, England |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
| Service years | 1915–1920 1929–1944 |
| Rank | Wing Commander |
| Unit | Northumberland Fusiliers No. 52 Squadron RFC No. 89 Squadron RFC No. 60 Squadron RAF |
| Conflicts | World War I • Western Front World War II |
| Awards | Order of the British Empire 3 × Mentions in despatches |
| Other work | Solicitor and Justice of the Peace |
Wing Commander John William Rayner MBE JP (19 May 1897 – 8 September 1989) was a British military officer who began his career in the Army during World War I. He became a flying ace during the closing months of the war, being credited with five aerial victories.
He resumed his military career on 21 September 1929, when he joined the Reserve of Air Force Officers. He continued his service into World War II, joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, until he was medically discharged as a wing commander on 21 December 1944. He was then made a Member of the Order of the British Empire.