13 Facts About Arthur McDonald

Arthur McDonald served as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Pakistan Air Force from 1955 to 1957.

Arthur McDonald's father was a British Army doctor who had served in the Second Boer War.

Arthur McDonald grew up on the Caribbean islands of Saint Kitts and Antigua, then members of the British West Indies.

Arthur McDonald studied engineering at Peterhouse, Cambridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree: as per tradition, his BA was promoted to a Master of Arts degree.

On 15 March 1924, Arthur McDonald was commissioned into the General Duties Branch of the Royal Air Force as a pilot officer on probation.

Arthur McDonald was promoted to flying officer on 15 October 1925.

Arthur McDonald was promoted to flight lieutenant on 13 October 1929.

Arthur McDonald was appointed Officer Commanding No 79 Squadron and then Officer Commanding No 32 Squadron in 1937.

Arthur McDonald served in the Second World War as Assistant Director of Repair and Servicing at the Air Ministry and then on the staff at Headquarters Fighter Command, before becoming Air Defence Commander in Ceylon in 1942, Air Officer Training at Headquarters Air Command of South East Asia Command in 1943 and Air Officer Commanding No 106 Group in April 1945.

In June 1955, Arthur McDonald became the fourth and last Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Pakistan Air Force.

At the time of his retirement the Royal Pakistan Air Force became the Pakistan Air Force, and Arthur McDonald was succeeded in the command of the renamed force by Air Marshal Asghar Khan.

Arthur McDonald later became Admiral of the RAF Sailing Association.

Arthur McDonald won his last race at the age of 92.