James McCudden, VC - 07/09/18

[PfalzPflyer]

I find it surprising, and a bit disappointing, that no one else mentioned that today was the 89th anniversary of the death of James McCudden (VC, DSO & Bar, MC & Bar, MM, Croix de Guerre), done in by a wonky engine.

Dean in Omaha

[Gregvan]

Thanks for reminding us all, PfalzPflyer. If it had been the 90th Anniversary, I might have caught it.

All honor to James Byford McCudden, VC, DSO and Bar, MC and Bar. For my money he was the best of the best; a man who did it all, a professional soldier through and through. Joined the Royal Engineers as a boy bugler at 15, then served as a mechanic in the RFC in 1913. Flew as an observer, and fought Fokker Eindeckers from a Morane two-seater. He eventually flew DH 2's against Albatros fighters. Scrapped with a Gothas in Sopwith Pups, then began the most prolific and legendary period of his career as an SE 5a ace, superb patrol leader and later instructor. Nobody in the RFC had a more scientific and professional approach to air fighting. Besides that, he wrote what I consider the finest and most well-written pilot's memoir of the war, full of humor, incredible detail and an eye for the characteristics of his foes and great respect for them as well.

One of his students at Ayr when he was an instructor was American Bogart Rogers, who later became an SE 5a ace himself. In a letter to his girlfriend on 17 April 1918, he wrote: "At noon there is a lecture on fighting by Capt. McCudden, VC, DSO. MC, MM, Mons Star, and Croix de Guerre. He is the kingpin of British pilots at present and a very nice chap, quite young and not a bit swelled up by his honors."

Two days later: "McCudden gave a wonderful talk this morning - sort of opened up a bit - and made it clear that successful pilots are so only because they have worked like sin, studied every phase and detail of flying, machines, and the habits and haunts of the Hun. To hear him talk nonchalantly of doing in Germans at 20,000 feet and of studying all available material in order that he may know where to look for them convinces you that this is surely the greatest game God ever created."

That says a lot.

Greg

[tcrean7828]

Greg and to all,

I agree with your very precise view of McCullen. An ace among aces and let us not forget that he was himself was in the scrap that brought down the number 2 ace of the GAF: Werner Voss.

Too have seen that from any height, must have been wonderful to behold, and the respect that he bestowed on a fallen enemy, was not the usual sentiment of "down the bugger goes" but remarked, "I shall never forget my admiration for that German pilot, who single handed, fought seven of us for ten minutes.", "His flying was wonderful, his courage magnificent and in my opinion he is the bravest German airman whom it has been my privilege to see fight."

A complement, not because his uniform happened to be a bit different that that what he wore, but because of his spirit, courage, and fortitude.

Well said...

cul

tcrean7828

tom

[Reinout]

Though I was not aware of the anniversary at the time, I shall find an occasion to have a belated drink in his honour in the coming days.

Kind regards,

Reinout