Flying Officer BJA Rennie

More than a “Few” South Africans

Second World War airmen earned over 1 200 “Distinguished Service Order’s”, almost 21 000 “Distinguished Flying Crosses “and 6 480 “Distinguished Flying Medals” 5 but only 61 RAF airmen including Basil John Allan Rennie and, a seconded South African Air Force No 2 PRU pilot were awarded the “Military Cross “.

More than a “Few” South Africans

On March 10th, 1942 “The London Gazette Supplement” announced the “Military Cross” award to Flying Officer Basil John Allan Rennie with a separate citation. “This officer was shot down by a night fighter and, escaping by parachute landed on some telephone wires in Belgium. After experiencing almost insurmountable difficulties……… he returned to this country and reported for full flying duties. Flying Officer Rennie brought back a considerable amount of valuable information. Throughout his experience he showed the greatest skill, courage and daring”.

More than a “Few” South Africans

Born in Johannesburg and educated at St Johns College, Rennie completed his schooling in Aberdeen, worked on the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges and commissioned as a Leading Aircraftsmen in October 1940 at the same time as Spencer Whiting. Twenty-five -year -old Pilot Officer Rennie and his crew were posted “Missing” after their No 144 Squadron Hampden, part of an 82 strong bomber force that attacked Aachen on July 9th, 1941, failed to return. Rennie evaded capture, returned to Britain a few months later and resumed operational flying. Bottomley, the only other survivor, became a “POW”. 6

More than a “Few” South Africans

Flying Officer Rennie died on October 19th, 1942, following an “OTU” accident on the day his promotion to Flight Lt 7 was announced in “The London Gazette”. His name is recorded on the St John’s College “Roll of Honour”.