[josquin]

Michael,

Some additional biographical details concerning Lt.Col. J.L. Birley:

James Leatham Birley, birth registered during the 3rd Quarter of 1884, at
East Grinstead, Sussex, registry office; 1901 Census gives Surrey as
his birthplace, and states he was living in Hampshire in 1901.

his death was registered in the 1st Quarter of 1934, at Bishop's
Stortford, Hertfordshire; his age was listed as 49. A copy of
the death certificate can be obtained using the following
identifying information: Volume: 3a Page: 1173.

his Medal Rolls Index Card, available at National Archives, U.K., at
WO 372/2, gives the following:
James Leatham Birley
Major, Royal Army Medical Corps
Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Flying Corps

The reference to "Birley, M.B.," clearly indicates he was a physician
(and psychiatrist) rather than a psychologist. His work, whether in
book form or journal articles, should be of significant value as a
primary source for any serious studies of the psychological costs and
aspects of Great War combat flying. You could try to get a copy
of his service record and his MIC at the National Archives through
their online service.

Regards

Josquin