James Fitzmaurice facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Fitzmaurice
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James Fitzmaurice
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| Birth name | James Michael Christopher Fitzmaurice |
| Born | 6 January 1898 Dublin, Ireland |
| Died | 26 September 1965 (aged 67) Dublin, Ireland |
| Allegiance |  Britain (1916–1921) Ireland (1921–1965) |
| Service/ |
British Army Royal Air Force Irish Air Corps |
| Rank | RAF: Irish Air Corps: Commandant |
| Unit | 17th Lancers Liverpool Irish No. 25 Squadron RAF |
| Commands held | Irish Air Corps |
| Battles/wars | Battle of the Somme (1916) |
| Spouse(s) |
Violet "Bill" Clarke
(m. 1919) |
| Children | 1 |
| Other work | Insurance salesman |
James Michael Christopher Fitzmaurice (born January 6, 1898 – died September 26, 1965) was a brave Irish pilot. He was a pioneer in aviation, meaning he was one of the first to do important things in flying. He was part of the crew of the airplane called the Bremen. This plane made the first successful flight across the Atlantic Ocean from East to West. This amazing journey happened on April 12–13, 1928.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
James Fitzmaurice was born in Dublin, Ireland, on January 6, 1898. When he was four, his family moved to Portlaoise, Ireland. He went to a Christian Brothers School there until he was almost 16 years old.
In 1914, James joined the National Volunteers. Later that year, he joined the Cadet Company of the 7th Battalion of the Leinsters. He was only 16, even though the minimum age was 19. His father found out and made him leave because he was too young.
World War I Service
In 1915, James Fitzmaurice joined the British Army. He was part of a cavalry unit called the 17th Lancers. He was sent to France during World War I. He was wounded and was suggested for a promotion twice.
In July 1916, he fought in a major battle called the Battle of the Somme (1916). By January 1917, when he turned 19, he was a Corporal and acting Sergeant. He was in charge of a small group of soldiers.
In May 1917, he was approved to become an officer. He went to Cadet College for training. In November 1917, he became a Second Lieutenant in the King's (Liverpool Regiment).
James then started his flight training. He learned to fly at Eastbourne Aerodrome. By October 1918, he finished his basic training. He then went to a school for fighter pilots. He was supposed to go to France on November 11, 1918. However, the war ended that very day, so his trip was canceled.
After the War and Irish Air Corps
James Fitzmaurice married Violet "Bill" Clarke on his 21st birthday. He continued to fly for the Royal Air Force, delivering mail. He was part of the "Army of Occupation" until 1919. He even flew the first night mail flight from Folkestone to Boulogne.
After leaving the RAF, he worked selling insurance for about 18 months. In May 1921, his only child, Patricia, was born. He was called back to the RAF for a short time.
In February 1922, James joined the Air Service of the Irish National Army. This happened after the Irish Free State was formed. He was promoted to captain in early 1923. In October 1925, he became Acting Commandant and was made second-in-command of the Irish Air Corps. Their main base was at Baldonnel. He was promoted to Commandant in September 1927.
Fitzmaurice tried to fly across the Atlantic in 1927. He was the co-pilot of a plane called the Princess Xenia (aircraft). They took off from Baldonnel, but the weather became very bad. They had to turn back and landed safely in County Kerry. They only flew about 300 miles off the coast of Ireland.
The Historic Bremen Flight
On April 12–13, 1928, James Fitzmaurice made history. He was part of the crew of the airplane Bremen. This flight was the first successful airplane journey across the Atlantic Ocean from East to West.
The crew members were:
- Captain Hermann Köhl, the main pilot.
- Captain James Fitzmaurice, the co-pilot.
- Baron Ehrenfried Günther Freiherr von Hünefeld, the owner of the plane.
They landed perfectly on a shallow, ice-covered water area near a lighthouse in Greenly Island, Canada. As the plane stopped, it broke through the ice. The back of the plane stuck up into the air. Everyone got wet, but they were all safe!
Life After the Flight
After their amazing flight, the United States Congress honored the fliers. President Calvin Coolidge gave them the United States Distinguished Flying Cross. On June 30, 1928, Fitzmaurice and his two companions were given the Freedom of the City of Dublin. This is a special honor.
Fitzmaurice was promoted to Colonel after the flight. He later left the Air Service in 1929. During the 1930s, he lived in New York. During World War II, he was in London. There, he ran a club for pilots who had served in the war. After the war, he returned to Ireland.
On June 1, 1955, James Fitzmaurice was the special guest when Lufthansa started new airline service. This service connected Shannon, Ireland, with New York.
James Fitzmaurice passed away in Dublin on September 26, 1965.
Legacy and Recognition
James Fitzmaurice is remembered in many ways. Streets are named after him in four cities in Germany, including Bremen (at the airport). There are also streets named for him in other countries, like in Wagga Wagga, Australia.
In February 1996, the Fitzmaurice Flying School opened in Baldonnel. A restaurant in the Kingswood County House Hotel was also named after him.
In 1998, for the 70th anniversary of his famous flight, a short film was made about his life. An Post, the Irish postal service, released a postage stamp honoring Fitzmaurice. This was part of a series about Irish aviation pioneers. In the same year, his daughter, Patricia, showed a bronze statue of him in Portlaoise County Hall. Also in 1998, a new road near the Irish Air Corps headquarters was named Fitzmaurice Road.
See also
- List of people on the postage stamps of Ireland
- P. A. Ó Síocháin
