James McCudden

[Scott]

Thanks to Lynne Cowley for sending the following:

Thought you would be interested that in today's Daily Mail there is a double-page spread about James McCudden (pp 32-33). Very informative and also tells us of a forthcoming BBC2 TV programme on Saturday March 21 at 8pm.

There are better pics on the online Daily Mail, which can be accessed on The incredible story of Britain's red baron: He was our first air ace, with 57 kills to his name - yet if war chiefs had their way we'd never have heard of him | Mail Online

I am still trying to trace the Irish side of the family (with my cousin Carole) and would be interested to hear form people who might be able to help with this. Most willing to share our family tree with relatives, of course.

Lynne Cowley
1st cousin, once removed from James

[tcrean7828]

Originally Posted by Scott

Thanks to Lynne Cowley for sending the following:

Ms. Cowley,

Very interesting piece from the On-line News, and very much appreciated by folks on this side of the Atlantic.

Thanks again for sharing this article with the folks across the puddle in Americia. To bad that I am not able to get the BBC2 TV programme, as it should be quite entertaining.

Ta Ta for now

tcrean7828

tom

[josquin]

Gentlemen/Ladies of the Forum

The Daily Mail article, by Nigel Jones, was a valuable, highly-informative review of James McCudden's life that was nine decades overdue.
More than this, though, the article provides the first explanation
I have seen for the very strict British policy for not seeking publicity
for their aces. In sharp contrast with the Germans and French, the
British would not even release the NAMES of their aces; accounts of
personal exploits were not permitted. If any Forum members have
ever questioned, or otherwise reflected upon, this utterly self-
defeating and small-minded Whitehall policy, Jones gives an
illuminating discussion of this important topic.

Regards

Josquin

[Barrett]

wellum...Jimmy McCudden was in no way "our first air ace" though that of course in no way detracts from his record or legacy.

But it's further indication of poor professional standards, such as the recent Daily Mail account of the "crash" of "the last surviving Hawker Hurrycane."

Sheesh.

[bill1]

Ms Cowley - Several years ago I purchased a pocket watch attributed to McCudden from his sister, Cissy. The inscription from her is dated on his 21st birthday. If you have any family records of this gift I would be most appreciative to learn more. Thank you.

[alex_revell]

Bill1
Bit puzzled by the watch. Jimmie had two sisters: Mary Amelia and Kathleen Annie. I may be wrong but I don't think Cissie is a shortening of either of these.
All,
On Saturday night, there is a documentary on BBC2 about Jimmy McCudden and Mick Mannock. At last two real fighter pilots are getting the recognition they deserve.

[Bulldog90]

Lots of little boys call their sisters 'Cissie' in some way, shape or form. But would a grown woman refer to herself that way seventy years after the fact? Hmmmmm.

Bulldog90

[Daniel Benns]

Scott, if you could pass on the email of Lynne Cowley I may be able to help her with tracking Jimmys irish family. Jimmys sister Mary Cobley is my great grandmother and my father has spent some time tracking our family tree in some detail.

Thanks

[alex_revell]

Daniel,
I knew your grandmother well. A lovely lady. I remember the first time I visited her. When she opened the door to me I felt I was looking into Jimmie's eyes. A very emotional moment for me. I'd been an admirer of Jimmie since about the age of 14 or so. For my money, he was the greatest fighter pilot of the war - on either side. I'd be pleased to discuss anything about Jimmie with you. I'm presently working on a biography of him. If you send me a private message I'll send you my email address.
Regards
Alex

[Gurgast]

Barret -- low professional standards at the Daily Mail???

Good god! Whatever next!