James McDonald (RAF officer) facts for kids

James McDonald was a brave British pilot who fought in World War I. He was born on July 23, 1899, in Renfrew, Scotland. We don't know when he passed away. He became known as a 'flying ace' because he shot down eight enemy aircraft. This was a big achievement during the war!

Becoming a Flying Ace

James McDonald served in the British military during World War I. He was part of the Royal Air Force, which was the air force for the United Kingdom. He flew as an observer and gunner in a special two-seater plane called the Bristol F.2b. His job was to spot enemy planes and shoot them down.

First Victories

McDonald got his first victory on May 31, 1918. He shot down an Albatros D.V plane over a place called Neuve-Chapelle. The enemy plane caught fire! Just a few days later, on June 2, he had a double victory. He shot down two more enemy planes, an Albatros D.V and an Albatros C, near La Bassée. For these first victories, another pilot named Second Lieutenant Leslie Walter King was flying the plane.

More Success in the Air

McDonald continued to be very successful. On June 3 and June 23, he flew with Lieutenant John Everard Gurdon. Together, they shot down two more Fokker D.VII planes. These battles happened east of La Bassée.

Later, on July 9, McDonald teamed up with Captain George William Bulmer. They set another Albatros C plane on fire north of Bois-de-Phalempin. His last two victories happened on August 27 and September 5. Flying with Lieutenant Frank George Gibbons, he shot down two more Fokker D.VIIs over Douai.

For his bravery and skill in the air, James McDonald was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. This is a very important award given to people in the Royal Air Force for courage during flight.