Medal Bar of 5, Flying Officer Ian Donald Roy McDonald

Flying Officer Ian McDonald joined the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War, becoming an ace fighter and earning both the Military Cross and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was shot down and killed while serving in Iraq in 1920.

After distinguished flying service in the First World War McDonald rejoined the Royal Air Force on 1 August 1919 and was posted to Iraq. He was shot down flying as observer of D.H.9A F2838 of No.84 Squadron on 22 September 1920 whilst dropping food to a gunboat stranded on the River Euphrates. He survived the crash landing but was then shot dead by local insurgents. His medals consist of the Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross, War Medal 1914-1918, Victory Medal and General Service Medal 1918-1962.