James Thomas Byford McCudden VC
An Ace Who Rose From Bugler to Major in the RFC and RAF
James Thomas Byford McCudden is ranked fourth in the list of British aces. His military service was unique in that he held every rank from bugler to major. His career began modestly enough in 1910 as a bugler in the Royal Engineers. In 1913 he transferred to the RFC and served as a mechanic with No.3 Squadron until the outbreak of war. Following its move to France in 1914 McCudden was involved in servicing the squadron’s Morane Parasols.
He was promoted to sergeant in April 1915 and flew occasionally as an observer. His first air combat took place in December and his first decoration, the Croix de Guerre was awarded in January 1916. At the end of January he was promoted to flight sergeant and posted to England for pilot instruction.
First Victories
On gaining his wings he joined No.20 Squadron; a FE2b unit engaged in photo/reconnaissance missions. His stay with No.20 proved to be quite brief. In early August he transferred to No.29, equipped with the DH2 scout. Between then and February 1917 he achieved 3 victories, and was awarded a Military Medal. Shortly afterward he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant and awarded the Military Cross.
Between March and April 1917 McCudden served as an instructor at various U.K. establishments. He operated briefly on Sopwith Pups with 66 Squadron and also gained experience on the SE5 with No.56.
Once more he returned to England and then rejoined No.56 as a flight commander on 15 August. The ensuing six months were quite profitable for McCudden when he increased his score to an impressive 57. It was a period when he demonstrated his soundness as a patrol leader and also as a patient hunter on solo missions.
Final Victories
His 57th and final victim fell on 25 February 1918 and in March he returned to England for a further instructional tour. It was during one of these tours that his path crossed with Edward (Mick) Mannock, and in that brief period they began an enduring friendship. In April McCudden received multiple awards; the Victoria Cross, plus the DSO and Bar and Bar to his M.C. As a point of interest he was the first member of the newly formed RAF to be awarded the VC; and during World War 1, a total of 19 airmen received that supreme award. After five months in England McCudden was promoted to major and given command of No.60 Squadron. But he was destined not to take up that appointment
A Tragic Anti-climax
On 9 July he set out for France and made a landing en route at the aerodrome at Auxi-le-Chateau and while taking off again the engine of his SE5 abruptly failed. In the ensuing forced landing he suffered severe multiple injuries. UInfortunately these proved fatal; resulting in McCudden's death without regaining consciousness. It was a curious and tragic anti-climax to a magnificent fighting career.
McCudden VC
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