Norman Macmillan | |
---|---|
Born |
Glasgow, Scotland |
9 August 1892
Died | 5 August 1976 | (aged 83)
Allegiance | United Kingdom |
Service/branch | British Army Royal Air Force |
Rank | Wing Commander |
Unit |
Glasgow Highlanders No. 45 Squadron RFC |
Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front World War II |
Awards |
Officer of the Order of the British Empire Military Cross Air Force Cross |
Other work | Test pilot, author and Deputy Lieutenant |
Wing Commander Norman Macmillan OBE, MC, AFC, DL (9 August 1892 – 5 August 1976) was a Scottish officer of the Royal Air Force, a World War I flying ace, test pilot, and author.
Macmillan was born in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of John Campbell Macmillan and Jeanie (née Hamilton), and was educated at Allan Glen's School and the Royal Technical College.
On the outbreak of World War I in 1914 Macmillan enlisted as a private in the 9th (Glasgow Highland) Battalion of the Highland Light Infantry and served in Belgium and France, spending 16½ months in the trenches. He then transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, being commissioned as a temporary second lieutenant (on probation) on 26 September 1916, and was appointed a flying officer on 27 February 1917. Posted to No. 45 Squadron RFC flying the Sopwith 1½ Strutter and Sopwith Camel aircraft, he became an ace, being credited with nine aerial victories between 5 June and 20 October 1917. He was also appointed a flight commander with the temporary rank of captain on 1 September 1917. Macmillan was removed from front line service after a flying accident on 6 January 1918, and returned to England where he served as a flying instructor. He received the Military Cross "for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty" in February 1918, and also the Air Force Cross.