James Flint (RAF officer) facts for kids

Wing Commander James Flint (May 24, 1913 – December 16, 2013) was a very brave British pilot and officer. He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He was special because he received two important awards for bravery for things he did on the same flight!

Early Life

James Flint was born in Nottingham, England, on May 24, 1913. He was one of four children in his family. He went to Trent Bridge Central School. When he was 14, he started working. Later, he trained to become an accountant.

Military Service

Joining the RAF

In August 1938, James joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. He was accepted to train as a pilot. When World War II began in September 1939, he started full-time pilot training. He trained at places like RAF Tollerton.

In January 1941, he finished his pilot training. He then joined No. 49 Squadron RAF as a sergeant pilot. His first mission was not as a pilot, but as a navigator. He flew missions to attack targets in Nazi Germany.

Acts of Bravery

James Flint received two special awards for his bravery. These were the George Medal (GM) and the Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM). He earned them for actions during the same flight on July 5/6, 1941. He was flying a Handley Page Hampden aircraft.

During this flight, his plane was attacked by enemy aircraft. The plane was badly damaged. James had to land the plane on the water near the English coast. Two crew members got out, but the navigator was badly hurt and stuck.

Even though the plane was sinking fast, James went back inside. He managed to pull the injured navigator out. The life raft was damaged, so it sank. James helped the navigator, who could not swim, towards the shore. He kept helping until soldiers on the beach came to help them.

James made sure everyone was safe. He then asked for boats to search for another missing crew member. He did not leave the beach until he knew help was on the way. He showed great courage and did not worry about his own safety.

Later War Service

After this, James Flint took a break from flying. He worked on the ground as an airfield controller. In May 1942, he became an officer. For the next two years, he worked as an instructor. He taught other pilots at a bomber training unit.

In 1944, he learned to fly the Lancaster Bomber. He then became the leader of No. 50 Squadron RAF. His squadron helped with air support during the Normandy Landings in June 1944. This was a very important event in the war.

On March 23, 1945, he received another award, the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC). He led No. 50 Squadron RAF until the end of the war. He completed 20 missions with them. In 1945, he left the military. Years later, in 1958, he was allowed to keep his rank of Wing Commander.

Later Life

After leaving the Royal Air Force in 1945, James Flint started a new career. He worked for a sports equipment company. Later, he became a director for a company that sold hairdressing equipment. He worked there until he retired in 1978.

James Flint passed away on December 16, 2013. He was 100 years old.