RAWSTHORNE, F/L Ralph (J22791) - Mention in Despatches - Overseas - Award effective 14 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1478/45 dated 21 September 1945. Born in England, 18 June 1915; came to Canada at age three. Educated at University of Manitoba. Home in St.James, Manitoba; enlisted Winnipeg, 20 August 1941. Granted Leave Without Pay until 19 September 1941 when posted to No.2 Manning Depot. To No.3 BGS (guard duty), 20 December 1941; to No.4 ITS, 14 February 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 10 April 1942; posted next day to No.5 AOS; graduated and commissioned 14 August 1942. To “Y” Depot, 15 August 1942; to RAF overseas, 25 October 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 14 February 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 June 1944. Repatriated 23 July 1945. Retired 3 October 1945. became manager of the St. Catharines Chamber of Commerce for thirty years before retiring at age 65. He lead in establishing the Arts Council at Rodman Hall, starting the Community Chest, he lobbied for the construction of the Garden City Skyway bridge, he assisted in the property purchase for the birth of Brock University. He was active in the Studio Tours of Haliburton County for twenty years. Died in St. Catharines, Ontario, 11 August 2013. Obituary stated he had been an Oboe Control operator and active on D Day.