JAMES, Lieutenant Mansell Richard - Distinguished Flying Cross - awarded as per London Gazette dated 2 November 1918. Home in Watford, Ontario; appointed 2nd Lieutenant, RFC, 22 September 1917; to Headquarters, Training Depot, 29 October 1917; to No.14 Wing, 12 February 1918; to No.62 General Hospital, Italy, 28 April 1918; served in No.45 Squadron, Italy, 12 February 1918 to 5 February 1919. To England, 17 February 1919; to repatriation camp, 13 April 1919. Killed flying a Sopwith Camel in American Pulitzer Prize Air Race, 29 May 1919 (Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society, Vol.13, No.4, Winter 1968). An excellent scout pilot who has at all times shown great skill, courage and determination in attacking enemy machines. During a short period of time he has destroyed nine enemy aeroplanes. NOTE: Public Record Office Air 1/1511 has a recommendation for a Mention in Despatches (apparently not granted). It notes that he was awarded the DFC on 17 September 1918, which probably refers either to the date it was submitted or the date it took effect (gazetting date notwithstanding). This officer joined No.45 Squadron on 13 February 1918 and has invariably shown a very keen and offesive spirit. His daring and skill as a patrol leader has always been of the highest order. He has destroyed the following enemy aircraft: On 3 June 1918, one DV scout at Arten, destroyed. 7 June 1918, one Albatross D.III at Sammerino, do. do., do. Collicellio, do. 20 July 1918, one DV scout east of Piave do. (in flames) do., do. Piave Valley do. (in flames) 5 August 1918, one Scout (new type), Valley of St.Pietro (destroyed) 6 August 1918, one A.E.G. two-seater, Portognetti (destroyed) 31 August 1918, one D.III, our lines (destroyed) do. one D.III do. (destroyed in pieces) For his excellent work both on the ground and in the air, I have the honour to recommend that Captain M.R. James, DFC, be mentioned in the next Despatches. Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross 17th September 1918. Air 1/1796/204/151/1, “Combat Reports, No.45 Squadron” copied into Library and Archives Canada MG.40 D.1 Volume 29, has the following: 3 June 1918 - 9.05 a.m., 10,000 feet, Cauto, Eastern Offensive Patrol. He was leader. Four D-V aircraft (German or Austrian unclear), “well camouflaged, barely distinguishable.” Whilst on Eastern Offensive Patrol Lieutenant Dawes saw four D.Vs coming towards the Lines from the vicinity of Feltre at 10,000 feet. He succeeded in getting between the E.A. and their Aerodrome, and attacked from the sun. Lieut. Dawes got on one E.A.’s tail and fired about 50 rounds into it, when he was seen to go down out of control. Lieut, M.R. James dived on another E.A. and after firing 100 rounds into him, he went down out of control and crashed near Arten. Confirmed by Lieut. Dawes. 7 June 1918 - 9.30 a.m. - Cisson - Eastern Offensive Patrol - 17,000 feet - one two-seater and five D.III Scouts (three destroyed). Whilst on E.O.P. Captain R.J. Dawes saw one two-seater and five D.III Scouts about 17,000 feet at 9.30 a.m. in vicinity of Cisson. He then maneuvered to get between the sun and the E.A. and attack. Capt. Dawes singled out one E.A. Scout and fired a long burst into him at close range; the E.A. went down out of control, Captain Dawes followed him down firing and saw him crash at Piovena. Confirmed by Lieut, M.R. James. Lieut. M.R. James, with 140 H.P. engine, singled out another E.A, and fired a burst of 100 rounds into the E.A. The E.A. then went down out of control and crashed in vicinity of San Marino. Lieut. Catto confirms this. Lieut. M.R. James easily out-maneuvered this E.A. and getting on another E.A.;s tail fired a long burst into it. The E,A. was seen to crash by Capt. Dawes in the vicinity of Collicello. Lieut. C.G. Catto dived on the two-seater and fired a short burst, but had to break off the combat owing to engine failure, making a forcec landing at. Nove aerodrome. 31 August 1918 - 9.35 a.m. - Western Offensive Patrol - 17,500 feet. Patrol led by Captain J. Cottle, DFC. Six D-III scouts (all destroyed). While on W.O.P. Captain J. Cottle with his formation of two machines (Lieutenants James and Davis) observed six E.A. at 9.35 a.m. flying south in bad formation at 17,500 feet over Mt, Campomolow (Sheer 36.F.588-367) towards our lines, As Captain Cottle and his formation were only at 17,000 feet he climbed into the sun. Having got his height unobserved by the E.A., he immediately attacked the right flank of the formation, splitting it up and each machine singled out one E.A. Captain Cottle got in a good deflection burst at close range and the E.A. turned over on its back and dived vertically down on the hill near Peralto (Sheet 36M.625-297). Captain Cottle was not able to observe this E.A. crash owing to the E.A. around him. He (Captain Cottle) then attacked another E.A., and getting on to its tail put in a long burst at very close range. The E.A. dived vertically down out of control and fell into the Freddo Valley near Arsiero (Sheet 36M,626.283). This E.A. is believed crashed. Captain Cottle then attacked a third E.A. nose on, and after getting on to its tail, fired several long bursts at close range, following it down to 7,000 feet. The E.A. then fell out of control and crashed near Posina (Sheet 36,L.572-271). Confirmed by Lieut. M.R. James. At the same time Lieut. M.R. James singled out one E.A. Scout and fired a long burst at close range; the E.A. did a left-hand turn and Lieut. James fired a long burst at point blank range and the E.A. fell down out of control and was last seen very near the ground absolutely out of control. Lieut. James then climbed back and engaged another E.A. which dived on him, and after a short fight Lieutenant James managed to gain height and got onto its tail. After firing several long bursts at very close range this enemy aircraft dived vertically down and fell to pieces in the air near Arsiero (confirmed by Captain Cottle and Lieutenant R,G.H. Davis). Lieut. R.H.G. Davis attacked one E.A. but had trouble with his guns. He succeeded in getting in a burst at fairly close range with one gun only, and observed the E.A. to fall down out of control, He was obliged to pull out of the fight owing to stoppages and the other E.A. Further confirmation is being obtained from the Balloon Section and will be forwarded as soon as received.

JAMES, F/O Edgar (RAF 87346) - Commended for Valuable Services in the Air - No.3 Flying Instructors School, Arnprior, Ontario. Awarded 1 January 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 113/44 dated 21 January 1944. This officer has been employed continuously as a Flying Instructor and has flown 1,460 hours since December 1940. He has shown himself to be an enthusiastic and hard worker. He has flown a total of 1,650 hours. He has always displayed great keenness and thoroughness in his work. He is setting an excellent example and the standard of his work is exceptionally high.

JAMES, P/O (now F/O) Alan MacKenzie (J21313) - Air Force Cross - No.145 Squadron (Canada) - Award effective 26 November 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 113/44 dated 21 January 1944. Born 4 October 1918 in Halifax (obituary said Stratford-on-Avon); raised in Halifax and enlisted there 10 September 1940. To No.7 Equipment Depot, 9 October 1940; to No.2 Manning Depot, 23 October 1940 although this may have been meant to read No.2 ITS. Promoted LAC on 27 November 1940 and posted that date to No.8 EFTS. To No.3 SFTS, 15 January 1941; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 4 May 1941. To No.13 Operational Training Squadron, 5 May 1941. To Eastern Air Command, 28 July 1941. To No.11 (BR) Squadron, 13 August 1941. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 December 1941. Promoted WO2, 4 May 1942. Commissioned 3 October 1942. Promoted Flying Officer, 3 April 1943. To No.145 (BR) Squadron, 8 May 1943. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 1 November 1943. To No.10 (BR) Squadron, 3 November 1944. To Torbay, 19 August 1945. To Halifax, 6 September 1945; released 26 September 1945. Flew two tours. Postwar architect in British Columbia; died in Melaque, Mexico, 21 January 2006. DHist file 181.009 D.3690 (RG.24 Vol.20640) has recommendation for dated 11 March 1943 plus a letter dated 7 March 1943 from S/L R.H. Cowan (No.1 Group Headquarters) to Commanding Officer, No.145 Squadron respecting flight from Torbay to Moncton, night of 13-14 February 1943. The following documents reproduced below clearly show that this particular AFC is a classic understatement of achievement. DOCUMENTS RELATING TO AFC TO PILOT OFFICER ALAN MacKENZIE JAMES (J21313) DHist file 181.009 D.3690 (RG.24 Vol.20640) Letter from S/L R.H. Cowan (No.1 Group Headquarters) to Officer Commanding, No.145 Squadron, Torbay, dated 7 March 1943, regarding flight from Torbay to Moncton, 13-13 February 1943. 1. I wish to call to your attention the outstanding work of the crew of Hudson a/c No.781 during the above trip and particularly to the exceptional ability and judgement of the Captain, Pilot Officer James. 2. Approximately fifteen minutes away from Moncton, we encountered heavy snow, and by the time we were over Moncton, the lights at the landing field could not be seen, although we later learned that we had flown over the field twice at a very low altitude. Pilot Officer James decided to return to Sydney, where we had found good visibility approximately an hour and fifteen minutes earlier. 3. As we set course for Sydney, severe carburettor icing conditions developed. One carburettor became completely choked and the throttle stuck fast. It was obvious that Sydney could not be reached, so course was then set for Summerside, the nearest landing place. 4. During the trip over to Summerside it was necessary to backfire the remaining motor every minute or so to keep it running. The entire crew made ready to bale out, expecting at any moment the motor would quit, or that the excessive flames from it would set the aircraft afire. 5. However, we managed to reach Summerside, were we were able to see the lights through the snowstorm, from about 300 feet. We were prepared for a crash landing as it could not be determined whether we were landing up or down wind. Pilot Officer James set the aircraft down in a smooth a landing as could be made under ideal conditions. 6. When the aircraft came to a stop, there was not enough motor left to taxi to the hangars. 7. I cannot speak too highly of P/O James' coolness and skill. I feel that his good judgement and exceptional flying ability under the most adverse conditions, not only saved the aircraft but the lives of the crew and passengers, as baling out at 0400 hours in a blizzard, and in all probability over water, would have been fatal to most, if not all of us. 8. After landing and making arrangements to get the aircraft in a hangar, Pilot Officer James, in spite of fatigue, refused to leave the aircraft owing to its containing secret equipment, and remained in it until relieved by other members of the crew later in the morning. 9. The job of navigation was also outstanding, as in spite of partial radio failure, we were not at any time off our various courses, and knew exactly where we were during the entire trip. The Observer and W.A.G. are also deserving of the highest commendation for their coolness and efficiency. Recommendation by S/L Williams, CO, No.145 Squadron, dated 11 March 1943. This officer has completed 1,240 hours of flying, of which 735 hours are operational. He has successfully carried out 183 operational sorties over the North Atlantic. He is a brilliant Captain whose determination and devotion to duty has been outstanding. During a flight in February, 1943, when attempting a landing at night in zero conditions, he encountered severe carburettor icing. One engine ice up completely and jammed the throttle and it was only by back-firing the second engine every few minutes and exercising great skill that he managed to reach an alternative aerodrome and land safely. His outstanding coolness in an emergency doubtless saved the aircraft and the lives of his crew and his example has won him the admiration of all. This officer during his many operational flying hours has displayed great devotion to duty and exceptional flying ability. He has contributed excellent and extremely valuable work on convoy patrols and anti-submarine sweeps.

JAMES, S/L Clarence Archibald (C1559) - Air Force Cross - No.14 SFTS - Award effective 26 October 1943 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2386/43 dated 19 November 1943. Born 9 December 1912 in London, Ontario (RAF Ferry Command crew cards). Enlisted in London, Ontario, 2 January 1940. Graduated from No.1 SFTS, 13 July 1940. Posted to No.14 SFTS, 3 July 1941. Promoted Flight Lieutenant, 15 October 1941. To No.3 Training Command, 7 June 1942. Attached to Ferry Command, Montreal, 24 July 1942 but posted again, to No.14 SFTS, 11 August 1942. Promoted Squadron Leader, 1 October 1942. Attached to Ferry Command again in Montreal, 28 June 1943. Departed Montreal, 8 July 1943 in Baltimore FA534, proceeding via South Atlantic route to Accra (arrived 24 July 1943). Returned by air to Canada. To No.8 SFTS, 30 November 1943. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 February 1944. To No.14 SFTS, 30 June 1944. To No.5 OTU, 27 December 1944. To \"Y\" Depot, 12 February 1945. Taken on strength of No.3 PRC, Bournemouth, 18 February 1945. Repatriated 17 September 1945. Released 26 October 1945. Rejoined RCAF Auxiliary as Squadron Leader, 31 July 1946 with No.400 Squadron. Promoted Wing Commander, 1 November 1948. This officer in successive capacities as instructor, Flight Commander and Squadron Commander has at all times demonstrated a high degree of instructional ability. His skill, enthusiasm and qualities of leadership and judgement have set an outstanding example which has been reflected in both his pupils and fellow instructors.

JAMES, FS (now WO2) Herbert Daniel Louis (R86438) - British Empire Medal - No.18 SFTS - Award effective 1 January 1945 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 89/45 dated 19 January 1945. Born 28 July 1895 in Cardiff, Wales (RCAF Press Release 4907 announcing award). Educated in Cardiff. Served in Second Welsh Field Ambulance, Royal Army Medical Corps, 15 November 1911 to 31 March 1920. In carpentry and building with his father in Cardiff after the war. Migrated to Canada in 1923. Home in Winnipeg (insurance agent, 1923-1925, carpentry with various contractors, 1924-1934, city assessor, 1934-1941). Maintained an interest in St. John Ambulance and Militia. Enlisted in Winnipeg, 10 January 1941 as a Nursing Orderly. To No.1 Manning Depot, Toronto, 15 January 1941. To No.5 AOS, Winnipeg, 1 February 1941. Promoted Acting Corporal, 1 April 1941. Promoted LAC, 10 July 1941. Reclassified as Hospital Supervisor, 1 October 1941. To No.10 SFTS, 12 February 1942. Reclassified as “Wardmaster”, 1 April 1942. Promoted Sergeant, 1 May 1942. Reclassified as Foreman of Works, 18 August 1942. To No.2 Training Command, 26 October 1942. To No.8 Manning Depot, 31 January 1943. Promoted Flight Sergeant, 1 March 1943. To No.17 SFTS, 8 March 1943. To No.18 SFTS, Gimli, 22 August 1943. Promoted WO2, 1 September 1944.. To Release Centre, 8 February 1945. Released 10 February 1945. Died 30 December 1962 in Lanzville, British Columbia as per Legionary of March 1963. This non-commissioned officer, who is foreman of works and buildings at this station, has displayed outstanding ability and has at all times performed his duties in a highly meritorious manner. By the keen interest he has taken in all phases of station activities and by the untiring effort he has put into them, he has done much for the welfare and morale of the airmen. Flight Sergeant James has displayed efficiency and devotion to duty of a high order in all his undertakings. Note: Letter dated 30 June 1942, Sergeant H.D.L. James to Commanding Officer, No.10 SFTS, Dauphin, Manitoba: May I be permitted to present this application to remuster to the trade of “Foreman of Works”, Works and Buildings Division of the RCAF, with the retention of present rank and grouping. My records will show my qualifications in this trade, being a Carpenter by trade, and for the whole of my life, excepting the period of the Great War, I have been in constant employment as tradesman, Foreman, and Building Superintendent. I have supervision the construction of many large projects, including the gold production mill of the San Antonio Gold Mining Corporation, Bissett, Manitoba. For many years I was Superintendent for the firm of Borrowman and Jamieson, Engineers and Contractors, Winnipeg. In 1934 I was appointed Junior Assessor of Buildings for the City of Winnipeg, and left this employ on “Leave of Absence” to join the RCAF. At this time I was Senior Assessor of Buildings, being promoted to this position in January 1937. At present I am Wardmaster “A” Group in the Medical Division. I was prompted to enlist in this trade on account of my service in the Imperial Army in the Royal Army Medical Corps. The Works and Buildings Division was not brought to my attention at the time of my enlistment. In support of this application, I submit my record of service at this Station, copies of testimonials (which are on file at the Records Office), also a strong desire on my part to return to my own Vocation and to render myself more extensively serviceable to the prosecution of the War and this Air Training Plan in particular. Assessments and Recommendation: Assessment, 28 September 1942, No.10 SFTS, Dauphin: An unusually good Non-Commissioned Officer who can be trusted to do any job, inventory, gardening, ward work, orderly room work. He is well versed in RCAF routine and methods. A dependable man, more mature than average. Assessment, 6 December 1943 by W/C A.G. Goulding, No.18 SFTS, Gimli: An excellent Non-Commissioned Officer and an asset for any Commanding Officer to have on his station. Is very active in station activities, has good judgement and common sense. Is well qualified to act in capacity of “Foreman of Works.” Recommended for BEM, 28 December 1944 by F/L C.S. Walley, Works and Buildings Officer, No.18 SFTS. This non-commissioned officer has served in the RCAF for a period of two years during which time he has performed his duties in a highly meritorious manner. His outstanding ability, good judgment, conduct and bearing have at all timers set an example for all personnel with whom he has come in contact. Over and above his ordinary duties, he has taken a very active part either as chairman or member of various committees, such as the Library Entertainment Committee, Curling Club and Sergeants’ Mess, and in addition to these activities he has assisted the other committees in their work to such an extent that his services have been indispensable to this unit.

JAMES, P/O John Leslie (J85056) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.433 Squadron - Award effective 15 September 1944 as per London Gazette of that date and AFRO 2274/44 dated 20 October 1944. Born 18 January 1918. Home in Toronto; enlisted there 17 February 1942. Posted to No.1 Manning Depot, 15 March 1942. To No.16 SFTS (guard duty), 7 May 1942; to No.6 ITS, 20 June 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 14 August 1942); to No.12 EFTS 30 August 1942; to No.16 SFTS, 7 November 1942; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 5 March 1943; to \"Y\" Depot, 19 March 1943; to RAF overseas, 27 March 1943. Commissioned 3 February 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 3 August 1944. Repatriated 2 August 1945; released 17 October 1945. This officer has completed a large number of sorties against well defended targets; he has also completed several successful sea mining operations. On one occasion whilst over enemy territory his aircraft sustained serious damage. Although the starboard elevator and rudder were affected, Pilot Officer James flew the damaged aircraft to base and made a safe landing. This officer has displayed notable skill, courage and keenness. DHH file 181.009 D.2909 (Library and Archives Canada RG.24 Volume 20633) has original recommendation drafted by W/C A.J. Lewington, date uncertain, when he had flown 34 sorties (193 hours 30 minutes) as follows: 20 January 1944 - Berlin (7.55) 30 January 1944 - Berlin (7.05) 15 February 1944 - Berlin (6.30) 19 February 1944 - Leipzig (6.55) 20 February 1944 - Stuttgart (7.30) 24 February 1944 - Schweinfurt (7.30) 15 March 1944 - Stuttgart (8.05) 18 March 1944 - Frankfurt (5.25) 26 March 1944 - Essen (5.10) 30 March 1944 - Nuremburg (7.55) 9 April 1944 - Villeneuve St. George (5.05) 11 April 1944 - Gardening, Kattegat (6.15) 20 April 1944 - Lens (5.45) 22 April 1944 - Dusseldorf (5.55) 24 April 1944 - Karlsruhe (7.25) 26 April 1944 - Essen (5.30) 27 April 1944 - Aulnoye (4.00) 30 April 1944 - Somain (4.25) 1 May 1944 - St. Nazaire (5.25) 3 May 1944 - Lorient (4.55) 9 May 1944 - St. Valerie en Caux (4.10) 11 May 1944 - Brest (3.40, early return) 19 May 1944 - Le Clipon (3.20) 21 May 1944 - Gardening, Frisians (4.50) 27 May 1944 - Le Clipon (3.10) 6 June 1944 - Conde sur Noireau (1.10, early return) 7 June 1944 - Acheres (4.15) 8 June 1944 - Lorient (6.25) 14 June 1944 - Cambrai (4.15) 15 June 1944 - Boulogne (3.55) 16 June 1944 - Sautrecourt (3.50) 21 June 1944 - Oisemont (5.25) 27 June 1944 - Wizernes (4.05) 9 July 1944 - Ardouval (3.40) This officer has completed 34 sorties over enemy territory including attacks against such heavily defended targets in Germany as Berlin (3), Essen (2), Stuttgart (2), Schweinfurt and Nuremberg. He has also carried out, most successfully, several mining operations at Lorient and St. Nazaire. On one occasion when detailed to attack Karlsruhe, this officer?s aircraft whilst flying in dense cloud collided with another aircraft, causing severe damage to starboard elevator and rudder. However, by skilful airmanship and exceptional coolness he carried on to the target and pressed home his attack with great determination, and eventually landed his aircraft safely at base. His courage, skill and determination in action has been an inspiration not only to members of his crew but to the entire squadron and I consider that he fully merits the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross (Immediate).

JAMES, WO2 (now P/O) Norton Herbert (R181874/J93417) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.186 Squadron - Award effective 15 March 1945 as per London Gazette dated 27 March 1945 and AFRO 1085/45 dated 29 June 1945. Born 26 August 1924 in Moose Jaw; home there (student); enlisted Regina, 31 August 1942 and posted to No.3 Manning Depot. To No.3 SFTS for guard duty, 14 November 1942; to No.2 ITS, 9 November 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 20 March 1943; to No.7 AOS, 3 April 1943; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 20 August 1943. To “Y” Depot, 3 September 1943; to United Kingdom, 12 September 1943. Commissioned 31 January 1945. Repatriated 6 February 1945; released 17 April 1945. Worked for government of Saskatchewan (infrastructure) and of Canada (environment). Died in Ottawa, 17 November 2017. // Warrant Officer James has participated in many operations against a wide range of major targets in Germany and enemy occupied territory. At all times he has shown outstanding navigational skill, cool courage and determination. On one occasion Warrant Officer James was navigator in an aircraft detailed to attack Calais. Owing to poor visibility it was necessary to fly the aircraft over the targets at 1,500 feet. Two bombing runs had to be made before the mission was completed. Anti-aircraft fire caused extensive damage to the aircraft and the mid-upper gunner was wounded. Warrant Officer James coolly and skilfully navigated his aircraft safely back to this country where an emergency landing was made. // The following recollections were placed on the internet by The Memory Project: // Getting Lost in the Fog // Went up one night and the fog closed in. These guys decided the two of them they know better than their navigator so they’re running around his damned wireless trying get themselves home. Meantime I’m plotting every course we were on and the distance and the time. Finally they decided they didn’t know where in the heck they were. We’d flown down. We learned after we got on the ground we’d flown down a valley between two mountains below their tops. And they couldn’t see us but the ground spotters had heard the aircraft and reported us going through. // Finally we were getting, oh, been up quite a while and I was getting a little worried so I said to them, “Now, do you want to go home?” They said, “Well, that’s what we’re trying to do.” Well, I said, “Here’s what we’ll do. We’ll go out over the Irish Sea which wasn’t too far away. Get down under this stuff,” because that’s what’s the fear. They couldn’t come down in case they hit something. “Then we can fly back.” // Well, they said how can you get us there? I said I haven’t been a navigator for nothing and I’ve been working on carrying the flights and I looked at our air position and applied the winds to it and came up with a ground position and then set a course for the middle of the Irish Sea. // We got out there. I told them they could go down and we went down, cleared things that I wanted to see and I give them a general course back. And they went back, picked up the ground and then they could see their way in. And got down on the runway and taxied to the end of it. Turned to taxi back to where we left the aircraft and it died. It had run out of fuel. // Details of a Crash Landing // I don’t know what happened. I think we got hit with ground fire. But I can’t remember for sure. And parts of the aircraft were unserviceable. We got the bomb doors open and couldn’t get them closed. You always opened the bomb doors to be sure there was nothing hung up. Didn’t want to land with that. And one motor was gone and the second one was just maybe half power or less. And the other two were what kept us airborne. And we got the bomb doors opened as I said, couldn’t get them closed. We were picked up by a RAF [Royal Air Force] or RCAF [Royal Canadian Air Force], I don’t know which, fighter, over the channel and guided into this airport which we didn’t even know was there and landed with the bomb doors open and no undercarriage. Couldn’t get it down. // So we’re basically crash landing. We hit the crossroads and the runways which were grass with a mesh on top of them and tore the bejesus out of them. They just pulled the aircraft over to the side and left it. It was a write off.

JAMES, F/O Reginald Vincent (J87404) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No.429 Squadron - Award effective 5 July 1945 as per London Gazette dated 20 July 1945 and AFRO 1619/45 dated 19 October 1945. Born 10 December 1923 in Moncton, New Brunswick; home there; enlisted there 8 June 1942 and posted to No.5 Manning Depot. To No.3 ITS, 10 October 1942; graduated and promoted LAC, 19 December 1942 but not posted to No.4 EFTS until 23 January 1943; may have graduated 9 April 1943 but not posted to No.5 SFTS until 17 April 1943; graduated and promoted Sergeant, 6 August 1943. To “Y” Depot, 20 August 1943. To United Kingdom, 25 August 1943. Commissioned 19 May 1944. Promoted Flying Officer, 19 November 1944. Repatriated 2 August 1945. To “K”, 23 September 1945. To No.1 Release Centre, 10 January 1946; retired 15 January 1946. Living in Moncton in 1949. RCAF Photo PL-42963 (ex-UK-19423) dated 12 March 1945 has following caption: “After an attack on an oil refinery at Wanne-Eickel, Germany, F/O R.V. James, Moncton, New Brunswick, a pilot with the Bison squadron, files his report with WO1 C.P. Barnhart, Niagara Falls, Ontario, of the engineering section.” No citation other than "completed...numerous operations against the enemy in the course of which [he has] invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty". DHist file 181.009 D.2610 (RG.24 Vol.20627) has recommendation dated 19 March 1945 when he had flown 36 sorties (212 hours), 18 August 1944 to 7 March 1945. Flying Officer James has taken part in 36 attacks on enemy targets including heavily defended areas such as Chemnitz, Hanover and Magdeburg. He is a keen and conscientious captain of aircraft who at all times kept his crew at a high standard of efficiency, both on the ground and in the air. By his cheerfulness and co-operation at all times he has been a valuable asset to his squadron. It is considered that his devotion to duty, fighting spirit and his unquestioned fortitude fully merit the award of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The sortie list was as follows: 18 August 1944 - Connantre (6.25, second pilot) 25 August 1944 - St. Mathieu (5.00) 27 August 1944 - Marquis (4.10) 28 August 1944 - Fresnay (4.20) 31 August 1944 - Cezembre (5.15) 6 September 1944 - Emden (5.05) 10 September 1944 - Le Havre (4.10) 24 September 1944 - Calais (4.45) 26 September 1944 - Calais (4.10) 27 September 1944 - Sterkrade (5.40) 28 September 1944 - Cap Gris Nez (4.45) 6 October 1944 - Dortmund (6.30) 9 October 1944 - Bochum (5.45) 14 October 1944 - Duisburg (5.00) 14 October 1944 - Duisburg (5.25) 21 October 1944 - Hanwer (3.35) 23 October 1944 - Essen (4.50) 25 October 1944 - Hamburg (4.40) 2 November 1944 - Dusseldorf (6.15) 4 November 1944 - Bochum (5.45) 16 November 1944 - Julich (5.25) 21 November 1944 - Castrop Rauxel (6.25) 26 December 1944 - St. Vith (5.55) 28 December 1944 - Opladen (5.55) 30 December 1944 - Cologne (5.55) 2 January 1945 - Ludwigshaven (6.50) 5 January 1945 - Hanover (5.35) 14 January 1945 - Grevenbroich (6.10) 1 February 1945 - Mainz (6.50) 2 February 1945 - Wanne Eickel (5.20) 7 February 1945 - Goch (6.55) 14 February 1945 - Chemnitz (8.30) 21 February 1945 - Worms (6.55) 24 February 1945 - Kamen (6.05) 1 March 1945 - Mannheim (7.05) 5 March 1945 - Chemnitz (9.05) 7 March 1945 - Hemmingstadt (5.40)

JAMES, Flight Sergeant David Benjamin (RAF 576764) - Distinguished Flying Medal - No.405 Squadron - awarded as per London Gazette dated 21 April 1944. Born in Llandaff, Cardiff; home in Barry, Glamourganshire (student). Enlisted, 1939. No published citation other than "completed many successful operations against the enemy, in which he has displayed high skill, fortitude and devotion to duty". Air Ministry Bulletin 13588/AL.769 refers. The original recommendation, dated 23 January 1944, was found in Public Record Office Air 2/9339 and reproduced by Ian Tavender in his book The Distinguished Flying Medal Register of the Second World War (London, Savannah Press, 2000); he is described as having flown 45 sorties (266 hours 55 minutes) as a Flight Engineer. This Flight Engineer has completed two operational tours. During his many sorties against enemy targets, Flight Sergeant James has displayed coolness, courage and devotion to duty which has set an inspiring example to the rest of his crew. Strongly recommended for the award of the Distinguished Flying Medal.

ALAN FREDERICK P/O(OB) J7214. From Winnipeg, Manitoba. Killed in Action Apr 24/42 age 29. #150 Squadron (Aiei Anomen). Wellington aircraft #X 3305 was carrying bombs and a camera when it crashed just after take-off one mile from Snaith, England. FS N.K. MacLeod and four RAF members of the crew, P/O N.C. Lerwill, Sgts Thorogou, Jordan, and Cheston, were also killed. Pilot Officer Observer James is buried in the St. John the Baptist Churchyard at Poklington, Yorkshire, England. Addendum: The three RAF Sergeants killed were H.J. Thorogood, TW. Chaston, and G.H. Jordon. The burial location for James, Lerwill, and MacLeod is in Pollington not Poklington. Jordan was buried at Southgate Cemetery, Waterfall Road, Southgate, Middlesex, Chaston is buried at St. Margaret's Cemetery, Rochester, Kent, and Thorogood is buried at Romford Cemetery, Essex. Detail provided by David E. Thompson, Middlesborough, England.

ELSIE PHYLLIS LAW W305220. From Banff, Alberta. Died Jun 3/43 age 20. #11 Service Flying Training School, Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Death by natural causes while in the Deer Lodge Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Leading AirWoman James is buried in the Banff Cemetery at Banff, Alberta.

FRANCIS THOMAS FS(P) R73092. From St. John, New Brunswick. Killed in Action Nov 5/41 age 22. #407 Demon Squadron (To Hold On High). Hudson aircraft #AE 655 was carrying 4 x 250 lb. bombs when it was shot down in the sea off Holland during an anti shipping operation. P/O J.F. Codville, Sgt G.N. Bryan, and FS R.L. Armsby (RAF) were also killed. Flight Sergeant Pilot James has no known grave, his name is inscribed on the Runnymede War Memorial, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey, England.

JAMES CLAIRE ROUSE SGT(WAG) R56096. From Perth, Ontario. Killed in Action Jun 29/43 age 30. #76 Squadron (Resolute). Halifax aircraft #OK 150 was shot down over Dusseldorf, Germany. Six of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Sergeant Wireless Operator Air Gunner James was buried at in the North War Cemetery at Dusseldorf, exhumed, and reburied in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery, Kleve, Germany.

LESLIE KERRY F/L(FE) C18115//R61041. From Highridge, Alberta. Killed in Action Jan 6/45 age 34. #431 Iroquois Squadron (The Hatiten Ronteriios). Target - Hanover, Germany. Please see F/L G.R. Pool D.F.C. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Lieutenant Flight Engineer James is buried in the War Cemetery at Durnbach, Germany.

NORMAN THOMAS FS(AG) R220077. From New Liskeard, Ontario. Killed in Action Aug 31/44 age 23. #103 Squadron (Noli Me Tangere). Lancaster aircraft #LM 243 was shot down at Ouend, France whilst engaged in operations over Agenville, France. F/O D. Ryerse was also killed and five of the crew, not Canadians, missing believed killed. Flight Sergeant Air Gunner James was buried in the Communal Cemetery at Ouend, exhumed, and reburied in the Calais Canadian War Cemetery, Leubringen, Pas De Calais, France.

ROBERT FREDERICK FS(P) R114619. From Regina, Saskatchewan. Killed Dec 14/42 age 19. #22 Operational Training Unit. Wellington aircraft crashed. Please see Causier R.G. for casualty list and flight detail. Flight Sergeant Pilot James is buried in the Stratford-on-Avon Cemetery, Evesham Road, Warwickshire, England.

WILLIAM CONROY LAC(P) R135122 - under training. From Montreal, Quebec. Killed Jul 12/42 age 30. #13 Service Flying Training School, St. Hubert, Quebec. LAC James was the pilot of Harvard aircraft #3838 engaged in take-offs and landings and was killed when the aircraft stalled on take-off and crashed, inverted. Leading AirCraftman Pilot James is buried in Holy Angels Roman Catholic Cemetery, Lachine, Quebec.

WILLIAM PATRICK SGT(AG) R95238. From Winnipeg, Manitoba. Killed Aug 12/42 age 24. #24 Operational Training Unit (Cum Labore Adjuvantes). Whitley aircraft crashed at Kirby Under Dale, Yorkshire. Sgt James was the only casualty. Sergeant Air Gunner James is buried in the St. Catherine Churchyard, Barmby-on-the-Moor, Yorkshire, England.