James Belgrave facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Dacres Belgrave
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|---|---|
| Born | 27 September 1896 Kensington, London, England |
| Died | 13 June 1918 (aged 21) near Albert, France |
| Buried |
Grove Town Cemetery, Meaulte, France
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| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1914–1918 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry No. 45 Squadron RFC No. 61 Squadron RAF No. 60 Squadron RAF |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Military Cross and Bar |
| Relations |
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Captain James Dacres Belgrave MC* (born September 27, 1896 – died June 13, 1918) was a brave British pilot during World War I. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down many enemy planes. He achieved 18 victories in the air before he sadly died in battle in 1918.
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Who Was James Dacres Belgrave?
James Dacres Belgrave was born in Kensington, London, England. His father was Dalrymple James Belgrave, a lawyer and writer. James had an older brother named Charles. Charles also fought in World War I. Later, he became an important advisor to the rulers of Bahrain for many years.
Military Training and Early Service
James Belgrave went to the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. This is a famous military school in England. On December 16, 1914, he became a second lieutenant in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. In November 1915, he was hurt during a battle. He was promoted to Lieutenant on February 13, 1916.
Joining the Royal Flying Corps
On October 27, 1916, James joined the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force of Britain at the time. He flew a plane called the Sopwith 1½ Strutter with 45 Squadron. Between February and May 1917, he shot down six enemy aircraft. This made him a "flying ace." A flying ace is a pilot who has shot down five or more enemy planes.
Awards for Bravery
James Belgrave was very brave. On July 18, 1917, he received the Military Cross. This award is given for acts of bravery during battle. His award citation said he showed "great courage and determination." It also mentioned that he shot down enemy planes on at least five occasions.
On September 1, 1917, he became a flight commander. This meant he was in charge of a group of planes. He was given the temporary rank of Captain.
Later Service and More Victories
After some time serving in England, James returned to France in April 1918. He joined 60 Squadron and flew a new plane called the S.E.5a. In May and June, he shot down twelve more enemy planes. This brought his total number of aerial victories to 18!
His Final Battle
Sadly, Captain James Dacres Belgrave was killed in action on June 13, 1918. He died near Albert, France. He is buried at the Grove Town Cemetery in Méaulte, Somme.
Three months after his death, he was awarded a "Bar" to his Military Cross. This means he received the award a second time. The citation said he showed "conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty." It noted that he destroyed two enemy machines and forced down four others in just four days.
