BEATTY, S/L James Hughes (J14471) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.439 Squadron - Award effective 22 June 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 1219/45 dated 27 July 1945. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, 13 February 1923. Home in St.Catharines, Ontario (work with a printer); enlisted Hamilton, 12 June 1941 and posted to No.4A Manning Depot. To No.1 WS (guard), 27 July 1941. To No.3 ITS, 20 August 1941; graduated and promoted LAC, 23 September 1941 when posted to No.21 EFTS; graduated 21 November 1941 and posted next day to No.9 SFTS; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 10 April 1942. To No.132 (Fighter) Squadron, 18 April 1942. Crashed Kittyhawk ET866 of No.132 Squadron at Armstrong, Ontario, 5 June 1942, landing in soft ground. Commissioned 22 August 1942. To Tofino, 15 October 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 22 February 1943. Ground looped a Harvard at Patricia Bay, 28 July 1943. To No.111 Squadron, 31 October 1943. To “Y” Depot, 5 January 1944. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, 20 January 1944. Disembarked in Britain, 30 January 1944. To No.143 Airfield, 12 February 1944 and posted supernumerary to No.440 Squadron. Proceeded with that unit to France, 27 June 1944. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 8 August 1944. Returned to Britain, 19 October 1944. To BPC (whatever that is), 19 October 1944. To No.3 Tactical Evaluation Unit, 14 November 1944. To No.83 Group Service Unit, 17 January 1945. To No.439 Squadron, 25 January 1945 and promoted Squadron Leader. Attended No.14 Armament Practice Camp, Warmwell, 3-23 April 1945. Repatriated 10 September 1945. Retired 25 October 1945. Recalled to service with Interim Air Force, 7 May 1946 with No.1 Air Command, mainly checking Air Cadet equipment. Resigned commission 27 March 1947 to enter Dentistry School at Hamilton. Employed as instructor at St. Catharines Flying Club, 19 August 1952 to 31 March 1958 in capacity of Primary Reserve Officer (207038). Twin bother William also flew Typhoons with No.438 Squadron. Award presented at Stamford Centre, Ontario, 7 August 1949. Died in St.Catharines, Ontario, 3 October 1993 as per Royal Canadian Legion “Last Post” website and Legion Magazine, issue of June/July 1994. Shown in RCAF photo PL-42812 (ex UK-20122 dated 3 April 1945). See also PL-28804 (ex UK-8885 dated 29 March 1944). // This officer has completed a large number of sorties during which he has successfully attacked a wide range of enemy targets. He has displayed a high degree of courage and determination in pressing home his attacks and has set a very fine example. Over a long period of operational flying his devotion to duty has been unflagging. // NOTE: Public Record Office Air 2/9086 has recommendation drafted by W/C F.G. Grant, 9 April 1945, when he had flown 141 sorties (144 hours 15 minutes). // This officer, on his second tour of operations with the 2nd Tactical Air Force, has completed a large number of sorties in each phase of the present campaign on the Western Front. With complete disregard of opposition, Squadron Leader Beatty has attacked every conceivable fighter-bomber target, displaying great presence of mind, and a fine offensive spirit. // In August this officer led a dive-bombing attack against an ammunition dump, pressing home, in spite of accurate and intense flak. The dump was destroyed. // A few days later, when leading the squadron, an important bridge over the Ouvre River was demolished, greatly impeding the enemy’s retreat in this area. // On March 24th, the skilful destruction of a German Army Headquarters north of Dorsten, in the face of intense flak opposition, was due entirely to the courage, tenacity and initiative of Squadron Leader Beatty. // Through a long period of operational flying as a fighter-bomber leader, this officer has proved repeatedly his value to the Service, and indeed, shown himself an example of cheerful courage, outstanding leadership and devotion to duty. // I definitely recommend the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Immediate). // Grant subsequently added another comment to the form: // A keen and courageous Squadron Commander with a fine record of achievement. His ability to press home all attacks has inspired the entire Wing. Highly recommended for the immediate award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. // This was supported by the Air Officer Commanding, No.83 Group, 17 April 1945, and approved by Air Marshal Coningham, 30 April 1945. // Notes: As of 5 December 1945 he stated he had flown 792 non-operational and 158 operational hours overseas. Aircraft flown, in Canada and abroad, had been Fleet (64 hours), Harvard (286), Kittyhawk (278.35), Hurricane (23.00) and Typhoon (255 hours). // Selected Assessments: “Sergeant Beatty is an above average pilot. This airman is a young man of excellent character, good disposition and very likeable personality. He is bright and able. His deportment, appearance and speech are very good. He is good commission material and, though young, should make a good officer. He is also keen and definitely a fighter pilot type. The undersigned had no hesitation in strongly recommending his appointment to a commission.” (F/L J.G. Elliott, Officer Commanding, No.132 Squadron, 22 August 1942). // “An above average pilot. As Acting Station Security, Guard and Service Police Officer, proved very capable. Very keen, definitively a fighter pilot type.’ (F/L B. Boe, 1 March 1943). // “Flying Officer Beatty is an exceptionally good type of fighter pilot. Keen type, very dependable.” (S/L G.J. Elliott, No.132 Squadron, 4 November 1943). // “Above average dive bomber. A forceful character with a pleasing personality. He is an excellent leader and does his job with confidence, Will be a credit to any unit.” (S/L A.E. Monson, 21 December 1944). // Training: Course at No.3 ITS was 20 August to 20 September 1941. Courses in Mathematics (55/100), Law and Discipline, Navigation, General Studies, Anti-Gas, Armament, practical and oral (72/100), Hygiene and Sanitation (32/40), Drill (78/100), Law and Discipline (47/50). Placed 53rd in a class of 151. “Fair education. Pleasant. Youthful. Frank, honest type. Defendable. Serious minded. Good home background. Not outstanding in any way. Quiet, mild manner.” // Course at No.21 EFTS was 25 September to 21 November 1941. Fleet Finch - 30.15 dual, 33.45 solo. Was 6.05 on instruments. Logged ten hours in Link. “Very young but with wxperiece will make a good pilot.” Ground school marks were in Airmanship (152/200), Airframes (80/100), Aero Engines (54/100), Signals, practical (60/100), Theory of Flight (63/100), Air Navigation (130/200), Armament, oral (149/200), Qualities as Officer (109/200). Placed 26th in a class of 33. “Quiet, young, didn’t get climated [sic] quickly but worked hard. Conduct good. Ability average.” // Course at No.9 SFTS was 24 November 1941 to 10 April 1942. Harvard aircraft - 48.30 day dual, 58.55 day solo, 5.00 night dual, 7.55 night solo. Spent 21.05 on instruments. Logged 23 hours 30 minutes in Link. “Good steady progress throughout SFTS. Had a very hard time to start with but progressed rapidly once soloed. Should make good fighter pilot material with more training.” (S/: J.W. Gledhill). Ground courses in Airmanship and Maintenance (150/200), Armament, written (69/100), Armament, practical (67/100), Navigation (79/150), Meteorology (25/50), Signals, written (35/50), Signals, practical (60/100). “Low average student, slow to learn but studious and dependable.” (F/L A.F.M. Wilson). Placed 53rd in a class of 58. // Application for Operational Wing: Drafted 18 October 1944, listing the following sorties with No.440 Squadron, 1944; does not include second tour operations: // 30 March 1944 - Patrol, Channel Islands (1.10) // 14 April 1944 - Bombing, Noball, NW of Abbeville (1.25) // 25 April 1944 - Bombing, bridge at Agon (1.30) // 26 April 1944 - Bombing, Noball near Abbeville (1.40) // 30 April 1944 - Patrol, Isle of Wight (1.25) // 30 April 1944 - Patrol, Isle of Wight (1.30) // 3 May 1944 - Bombing, Elbe class destroyer (1.05) // 7 May 1944 - Bombing, Noball near Tobes (1.20) // 8 May 1944 - Bombing, marshalling yards, Douis (1.10) // 9 May 1944 - Fighter cover, Long (1.05) // 10 May 1944 - Bombing, bridge at Long (1.20) // 11 May 1944 - Bombing, marshalling yards, Amiens (1.15) // 19 May 1944 - Bombing, tanks, Evergem (1.30) // 20 May 1944 - Bombing, Noball, Gorenflos (1.30) // 21 May 1944 - Strafing, Radar gun post, Cherbourg peninsula (45 minutes) // 22 May 1944 - Strafing, Radar gun post, Arromanches (1.10) // 23 May 1944 - Search for F/O Crowley (1.10) // 28 May 1944 - Bombing, bridge south of Rouen (1.15) // 29 May 1944 - Bombing, Noball at Gorenflos (1.05) // 30 May 1944 - Bombing, Bois de la Justice (1.25) // 3 June 1944 - Bombing, Wurzburg, Guernsey (1.15) // 6 June 1944 - Bombing, beaches, Normandy (1.30) // 7 June 1944 - Strafing, 88-mm guns near beach (1.35) // 8 June 1944 - Reconnaissance, Bayeux (1.30) // 10 June 1944 - Bombing, convoy (1.45) // 11 June 1944 - Bombing, village south of Caen (1.20) // 13 June 1944 - Bombing, woods S.E. of Caen (1.25) // 14 June 1944 - Bombing, Demouville (1.10) // 15 June 1944 - Bombing, bridge, Amaye (1.10) // 15 June 1944 - Bombing, bridge, Amaye (1.20) // 16 June 1944 - Bombing, bridge, Amaye (1.25) // 16 June 1944 - Scramble (15 minutes) // 17 June 1944 - Bombing, bridge N.E, of Caen (1.25) // 17 June 1944 - Fighter cover (1.20) // 19 June 1944 - Recce, anti-shipping (1.30) // 23 June 1944 - Recce, M.T. south of Caen (1.55) // 24 June 1944 - Bombing, strong point west of Caen (1.20) // 28 June 1944 - Bombing, bridge, Amaye sur Orne (35 minutes) // 5 July 1944 - Bombing, bridge, Amaye sur Orne (50 minutes) // 10 July 1944 - Bombing, Maltot (30 minutes) // 15 July 1944 - Bombing, Chateau near Vendes (35 minutes) // 18 July 1944 - Bombing, mortars east of Caen (30 minutes) // 18 July 1944 - Bombing, bridge east of Caen (30 minutes) // 18 July 1944 - Bombing, woods at Bourguebus (30 minutes) // 25 July 1944 - Bombing, forest of Goufern (1.05) // 25 July 1944 - Bombing, quarry neat Hautmesnil (45 minutes) // 26 July 1944 - Bombing, Raquancor (35 minutes) // 26 July 1944 - Bombing, Raquancor (40 minutes) // 30 July 1944 - Bombing, Carcelles Secqueville (45 minutes) // 31 July 1944 - Bombing, headquarters near Thury Harcourt (30 minutes) // 2 August 1944 - Bombing, Conde sur Noireau (45 minutes) // 2 August 1944 - Bombing, woods near Roucamps (35 minutes) // 3 August 1944 - Bombing, Onde Fontaine (45 minutes) // 3 August 1944 - Bombing, Thury Harcourt woods (50 minutes) // 4 August 1944 - Bombing, M.T. southeast of Falaise (40 minutes) // 5 August 1944 - Bombing, road southeast of Falaise (1.00) // 7 August 1944 - Bombing, Chenodolle (50 minutes) // 8 August 1944 - Bombing, chateau, Clair Tizon (35 minutes) // 9 August 1944 - Bombing, Bois de St. Clair (50 minutes) // 10 August 1944 - Bombing, armed reconnaissance (40 minutes) // 11 August 1944 - Bombing, ammo dump west of St. Pierre (40 minutes) // 11 August 1944 - Bombing, route de Ceriste (50 minutes) // 12 August 1944 - Bombing, chateau west of Vassy (45 minutes) // 12 August 1944 - Bombing, bridge on Orne (45 minutes) // 12 August 1944 - Bombing, bridge on Orne (55 minutes) // 13 August 1944 - Bombing, Kableville (1.00) // 13 August 1944 - Strafing, M.T. near Fleurs (50 minutes) // 13 August 1944 - Strafing, M.T. near Fleurs (1.00) // 15 August 1944 - Bombing, road at Vimoutier (1.00) // 16 August 1944 - Bombing, woods at Carnetot (45 minnutes) // 17 August 1944 - Bombing, barges on Seine (1.10) // 18 August 1944 - Strafing, M.T. south of Vimoutier (50 minutes) // 18 August 1944 - Strafing, M.T. south of Vimoutier (1.05) // 18 August 1944 - Strafing, M.T., Lisieux area (40 minutes) // 19 August 1944 - Strafing, M.T., Orbec-Bernay (50 minutes) // 19 August 1944 - Strafing, M.T., Orbec-Bernay (55 minutes) // 25 August 1944 - Bombing, M.T. at Gournay (1.15) // 27 August 1944 - Bombing, barges on Seine (35 minutes) // 27 August 1944 - Bombing, M.T. at Mailleraye (50 minutes) // 31 August 1944 - Recce, Amiens area (1.25) // 14 September 1944 - Recce, weather (40 minutes) // 15 September 1944 - Strafing, M.T. near Turnhout (1.00) // 16 September 1944 - Recce near Turnhout (1.15) // 16 September 1944 - Recce (1.10) // 17 September 1944 - Bombing, gun post, Nijmegen (1.20) // 17 September 1944 - Strafed, road at Eindhoven (1.10) // 22 September 1944 - Bombing, bridge at Cleve (1.10) // 25 September 1944 - Bombing, bridge at Deventer (1.05) // 26 September 1944 - Scramble, patrol east of Nijmegen (1.05_ // 27 September 1944 - Bombing, rail lines (45 minutes) // 27 September 1944 - Scramble, Grefath, Germany (30 minutes) // 27 September 1944 - Bombing, duty not carried out (30 minutes) // 28 September 1944 - Bombing, rail near Croenlo (1.00) // 29 September 1944 - Bombing, near Zwolle (1.15) // 29 September 1944 - Bombing, near Zwolle (1.20) // 30 September 1944 - Bombing, rail near Winterswick (1.10) // 5 October 1944 - Bombing, rail west of Bocholt (1.20) // 6 October 1944 - Bombing, duty not carried out (20 minutes) // 6 October 1944 - Patrol, night patrol (1.10) // 7 October 1944 - Bombing, marshalling yards at Borken (1.30) // 7 October 1944 - Bombing, rail north of Borken (1.10) // 12 October 1944 - Bombing, Amerika (40 minutes) // 12 October 1944 - Bombing, Hortst (1.10) // 13 October 1944 - Bombing, rail at Xanten (45 minutes) // 13 October 1944 - Fighter cover, Roermond (1.30) // 14 October 1944 - Bombing, rail east of Verden (50 minutes) // 14 October 1944 - Bombing, rail east of Verden (1.00) // 15 October 1944 - Bombing, rail south of Borken (1.00) // 15 October 1944 - Bombing, rail north of Barneveld (1.00) // 17 October 1944 - recce, weather (50 minutes) // RCAF Press Release No.10540 dated 22 June 1945, transcribed by Huguette Mondor Oates, reads: // A FORWARD RCAF AIRFIELD IN GERMANY: -- S/L James Beatty, 20 Cherry Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, officer commanding the City of Westmount Typhoon squadron, has been awarded an immediate Distinguished Flying Cross, but he barely got back from one of the squadron’s last operations to hear about it. // Flak hit his spinning propeller and tore a lucky hole in the blade – lucky because it didn’t strike the radiator behind it hard enough to release all the coolant. S/L Beatty was attacking two flak cars on the railway west of Hamburg, just east of the Elbe on a recent flight. He landed his heated aircraft at an airfield 40 miles north of his home base. // “Just as I jettisoned my bombs over the train, I felt a thud in front of the aircraft and it started shaking,” he reported to an interrogation officer. “Then it flew alright except for the engine being rough and I didn’t know where it was hit until one of the boys in formation told me I was spewing glycol. Then I landed at the first strip. We found a direct hit on the propeller, bending the blade and holing it. Coolant was sprayed all over the nose.” // S/L Beatty has been C.O. of the City of Westmount squadron since January 25, 1945, and, prior to that, he was flight commander in the sister City of Ottawa squadron. His twin brother, F/O William Beatty, has just completed his first Typhoon tour and entered the RAF ferry service. // S/L Beatty has completed half of his second tour with Typhoons. He joined the City of Ottawa squadron in Canada, before it came overseas 15 months ago, and has flown on operations with this Canadian airfield throughout its life – from a southern English base against the occupied countries from France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.