James Coward (RAF officer) facts for kids

James Baird Coward (born May 18, 1915 – died July 25, 2012) was an important officer in the Royal Air Force, also known as the RAF. He reached the rank of Air Commodore, which is a very senior position. From 1962 to 1966, he was in charge of the Air Training Corps, a group for young people interested in aviation.

Early Life and Education

James Coward was born in Teddington, England, on May 18, 1915. He went to a private school called St John's School, Leatherhead in Surrey.

RAF Career Highlights

Joining the Royal Air Force

James Coward joined the Royal Air Force in 1937 as a pilot. He started in No. 19 Squadron RAF at RAF Duxford. There, he flew a Gloster Gauntlet, which was a single-seat biplane (an airplane with two main wings).

Coward was also a talented artist. He was asked to paint the squadron's badge on the biplanes. However, after weeks of work, the planes were quickly painted over in camouflage for the upcoming Munich Crisis. His squadron was the first to get the famous Supermarine Spitfire in 1938.

Serving in World War II

When the Second World War began, Coward served as a pilot and staff officer. His squadron helped during the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940. This was when many British soldiers were rescued from France.

On June 2, 1940, he likely shot down a German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter plane.

Battle of Britain Heroism

During the Battle of Britain on August 31, 1940, Coward's squadron was called to fight German bombers. He led an attack on the bombers. His Spitfire's weapons jammed, and the plane was hit. The controls were damaged, sending his aircraft into a dive.

He was badly injured, and his left foot was almost cut off. He had to bail out of his plane. As he fell, he used a radio lead from his helmet to tie a tourniquet around his leg. This helped stop the bleeding. After landing, he was quickly taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. There, his left leg had to be amputated.

Working with Winston Churchill

After five months of recovery, Coward joined the personal staff of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. At Churchill's country home, Chequers, Coward's main job was to decide if reports were important enough to wake the Prime Minister at night.

At Churchill's private home, Chartwell, Coward helped organize air surveillance. This was to warn Churchill of any attacks from nearby Nazi occupied France.

Post-War Service

After the war, Coward continued his career in the RAF. He was an Air Attaché in Norway in 1946. This role meant he represented the RAF in that country. He continued to be promoted through the ranks.

In 1962, he became the Air Officer Commanding Air Cadets. This meant he was in charge of the Air Training Corps, a youth organization that teaches young people about aviation and the RAF. He held this important role until 1966.

James Coward retired from the Royal Air Force in 1969.

Later Life in Australia

After retiring, James Coward and his wife moved to Canberra, Australia. He built one of the first homes in the area that used the sun's energy to stay warm. He also turned a large piece of land into an organic garden.

He passed away on July 25, 2012, in Yass, New South Wales. He is buried in Michelago, New South Wales, with his two daughters who died before him.

Awards and Recognition

Coward received the 1939–45 Star with the Battle of Britain clasp. This showed he fought in that important battle. He was also awarded the Air Force Cross (AFC) in 1954 for his brave service.

Family Life

James Coward married Cynthia Bayon on December 29, 1939. They had four daughters together.