Amelie’s Boys – the flying McCuddens - write-u |
Post Reply ![]() |
Author | |
NickForder ![]() Senior Member ![]() Joined: 01 Jun 2009 Location: Bolton Status: Offline Points: 1369 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Posted: 13 May 2011 at 11:03 |
Amelie’s Boys – the flying McCuddens
Capt. David Rowland, FRAeS, FRIN, RAeS Past President, 2007-2008 Joint with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers avid’s lecture took us to the Great War and recounted the story of Jimmy McCudden, the most decorated pilot of the conflict, and his pilot brothers. Sometimes poignant, often amusing, the evening gave an insight into the struggles and losses of one family among many whose menfolk fought and died. Starting with a little historical perspective, we were reminded that it was only six years after Cody ‘hopped’ to fame at Farnborough that four squadrons of the Royal Flying Corps went to war in 1914. William McCudden and his wife Amelie (née Byford) had seven children, and we followed the fortunes of the four sons, three of whom flew as pilots in the war, the fourth being too young to see active service. Eldest brother Bill, like his father, joined the Royal Engineers, and was selected for flying training to become one of the earliest to gain a flying licence (#269). A certain Lord Trenchard was #270. Bill was tragically killed on a training flight in May 1915 after engine failure. Second son James (Jimmy) also joined the Royal Engineers as a bugle boy at 15, then the RFC as a mechanic at 18 (in 1913). With the British Expeditionary Force in 1915, he flew his first sortie as observer in June of that year, filing his first combat report in December. In January 1916, after promotion to sergeant and receiving the Croix de Guerre, he returned to the UK for flying training and qualified in June. Then to battle: first with 20 Sqn and the Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2d, then 29 Sqn flying the DH.2, scoring his first victory on 6 September. A Military Medal followed, more kills, and a commission in early 1917. After instructing in the UK, Jimmy returned to France to command B Flight of the elite 56 Sqn, flying the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5a. The months that followed, to February 1918, proved to be very productive for him, with 52 victories. With a total of 57 victories he received a hero’s welcome back home, a Victoria Cross for “conspicuous bravery and exceptional perseverance”. Sadly fate decreed that Jimmy would not see out the war – he was killed in a takeoff accident at Auxi-le- Chateau on 9 July 1918, aged just 23. Third son John (known as Anthony) followed his brothers into the RFC, achieving the rank of Second Lieutenant. He recorded eight victories and was awarded the Military Cross, but was shot down and killed in March 1918. Needless to say, mother Amelie was so proud of the achievements of her boys, particularly as they had all started ‘in the ranks’. The formidable Amelie became something of a celebrity herself, and was chosen to represent the Empire families at a ceremony at the grave of the Unknown Soldier at Washington, DC. A lively question and answer session followed. For example, did you know that No. 3 Sqn was the first “operational fighting squadron”? Apparently No. 1 had airships, and No. 2 initially had no aircraft at all! Graham Roe gave the vote of thanks, for an evening’s entertainment well appreciated by the audience. w John G. Proctor |
|
![]() |
|
Jonathan Saunders ![]() Newbie ![]() Joined: 17 Apr 2009 Status: Offline Points: 37 |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
A small point to correct. John Anthony McCudden was generally known as "Jack" by his siblings and peers.
Regards,
Jonathan S
|
|
![]() |
Post Reply ![]() |
|
Tweet
|
Forum Jump | Forum Permissions ![]() You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum |
© 2023 Cross and Cockade International
The First World War Aviation Historical Society. Registered UK charity number 1117741.
powered by csb internet