|
James_McCudden_portrait.jpg
James McCudden
James Thomas Byford McCudden (VC, DSO and bar, MC and bar, MM, Croix de Guerre) (28 March, 1895–9 July, 1918) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. McCudden was the most highly decorated British Empire pilot of the First World War and one of the longest serving, having joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1913. At his death he had amassed 54 kills, making him one of the highest scoring British aces.
Details
He was 22 years old, and a temporary Captain in the 56 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps, General List during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
During the period August 1917 to March 1918, on aerial patrols over France, Captain McCudden showed conspicuous bravery, exceptional perseverance and a high devotion to duty. As patrol leader he exercised the utmost skill not only in the manner in which he attacked and destroyed the enemy, but in the way in which, during aerial fights, he protected the newer members of his flight, thus keeping down the casualties to a minimum. By March 1918 he had accounted for 51 enemy aircraft, some single-handed, some while leading his men. As an example of his exploits, on 16 February 1918 he destroyed three two-seater aeroplanes in the morning patrol and added a fourth on his second sortie.
He later achieved the rank of Major.
McCudden was killed in a flying accident, Marquise, France, on 9 July 1918.
His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Engineers Museum (Chatham, England).
Reference
External links
- James McCudden (http://www.theaerodrome.com/aces/england/mccudden1.html)
This page has been migrated from the Victoria Cross Reference (http://www.victoriacross.net) with permission.
|
