In 1910, James McCudden joined
his father in the Royal Engineers as a 15 year
old bugler. By the time war was declared, he
was an aircraft mechanic in the Royal Flying
Corps. One of three brothers to serve with the
RFC, he saw combat in France as an observer and
gunner before returning to England for flight
training in 1916. His talents as a pilot were
so extraordinary that he became an instructor
within days of receiving his aviator's certificate.
By the beginning of April 1918, 22 year old James
McCudden was the most decorated pilot in the
Royal Air Force. Sadly, he was killed three months
later when his aircraft stalled after take off
and crashed to the ground.
McCudden's younger brother, John McCudden,
also served in the Royal Flying Corps and became
an
ace before his death in 1918.
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