James Anderson Slater facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Anderson Slater
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|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Jimmy |
| Born | 27 November 1896 Worthing, Sussex, England |
| Died | 26 November 1925 (aged 28) Pewsey, Wiltshire, England |
| Buried |
St. Mary the Virgin, Upavon, Wiltshire, England
(51°17′43″N 1°48′44″W / 51.29528°N 1.81222°W) |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1925 |
| Rank | Flight Lieutenant |
| Unit | Royal Sussex Regiment No. 18 Squadron RFC No. 1 Squadron RFC No. 64 Squadron RFC/RAF No. 3 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I • Western Front |
| Awards | Military Cross & Bar Distinguished Flying Cross |
Flight Lieutenant James Anderson Slater (born November 27, 1896 – died November 26, 1925) was a brave British pilot. He became a "flying ace" during World War I, which means he shot down many enemy aircraft. He was officially credited with 24 aerial victories. After the war, he continued to serve in the Royal Air Force (RAF) as a flight instructor. Sadly, he died in a flying accident.
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Early Life and Joining the War
James Anderson Slater was born in Worthing, West Sussex, England. This was on November 27, 1896. When World War I began in August 1914, he was still a student. He quickly decided to join the fight.
Slater enlisted in the British Army as a private soldier. He joined the Royal Sussex Regiment. Soon after, he became an officer, a temporary second lieutenant. He even served briefly with the Royal Irish Rifles. His father was a Major in that same regiment.
Becoming a Pilot in the Royal Flying Corps
In 1915, Slater transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (RFC). This was the early version of the Royal Air Force. He first served in France from November 1915 to March 1916. He was an observer in No. 18 Squadron RFC, flying Vickers FB.5 planes.
After this, he trained to become a pilot himself. By June 30, 1916, he was officially a flying officer. This was a big step in his military career.
World War I Flying Ace
In August 1916, Slater joined No. 1 Squadron RFC. He flew the Nieuport 17, a fast single-seat fighter plane. He achieved his first two aerial victories in early 1917.
In May 1917, he returned to England. He worked as an instructor, teaching new pilots. But by July 27, 1917, he was back in action. He became a flight commander in the new No. 64 Squadron RFC.
Leading Missions and Earning Medals
Slater's squadron moved to France in October 1917. On November 30, he shot down the squadron's first enemy aircraft. He was flying an Airco DH.5 fighter at the time.
On February 4, 1918, he received the Military Cross. This award recognized his bravery and skill. He had completed several successful ground attack missions. For example, he attacked enemy soldiers and silenced a field gun. He also led patrols in bad weather. His actions helped drive the enemy from a wood. His courage inspired everyone around him.
The squadron then got new planes, the S.E.5a fighter. Slater achieved most of his victories in this aircraft. He shot down 20 enemy planes between March and May 1918.
More Awards for Bravery
Slater received a second bar to his Military Cross on June 21, 1918. This meant he had earned the award twice. His citation mentioned his amazing bravery. He attacked many enemy planes, even driving one down in flames. He was involved in 25 close-quarters fights in just 18 days. He shot down eight enemy machines during this time.
He was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on June 28, 1918. This award was for his outstanding leadership. He led many patrols with great skill. His leadership helped destroy many enemy aircraft. His squadron had very few casualties thanks to him.
Slater returned to England in July 1918. He continued to work as an instructor until the war ended. By the end of the war, he had destroyed eleven enemy aircraft. He also forced nine others down "out of control."
Life After the War
On August 1, 1919, James Slater officially joined the Royal Air Force. He became a permanent flight lieutenant. He continued his important work as an instructor. He taught at No. 5 Flying Training School in England.
Later, he moved to Egypt in March 1922. There, he taught at No. 4 Flying Training School. He returned to England in October 1924.
Tragic End of a Hero
On April 1, 1925, Slater joined No. 3 Squadron. This squadron was based at RAF Upavon. On November 26, 1925, a sad accident occurred. Slater and another pilot, W. J. R. Early, were killed. Their Sopwith Snipe trainer plane crashed near Pewsey. This happened shortly after they took off.
Both men were buried in the churchyard of St. Mary the Virgin in Upavon. James Anderson Slater was a true hero. He served his country bravely during the war and helped train new pilots afterward.
