James R. A. Bailey facts for kids
James Richard Abe Bailey, CBE, DFC (23 October 1919 – 29 February 2000) was a brave pilot, a talented writer, a poet, and a publisher. He was from both Britain and South Africa. During World War II, he was a fighter pilot. He is best known for starting Drum, which became the most popular magazine in Africa.
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About James Bailey
Quick facts for kids James R. A. Bailey |
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| Crest | A demi-female figure with arms extended Proper habited Azure trimmed at the collar cuffs and shoulders Argent holding in each hand a sprig of mimosa as in the arms. |
| Blazon | Argent on a fess between three martlets Gules a bezant between two sprigs of mimosa Proper. |
| Motto | Virtus Castellum Meum |
James Bailey was born in London on October 23, 1919. His father was Sir Abe Bailey, and his mother was Dame Mary Bailey, a famous pilot herself.
James went to Winchester College and then to Christ Church, Oxford for his education. When World War II began, he joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in September 1939. He became a pilot and flew different types of planes. These included the Defiant, the Hurricane, and the Beaufighter. He served in several RAF squadrons, like 264, 600, and 85 Squadrons.
Starting Drum and Golden City Post
In 1951, James Bailey helped financially to start a new magazine. It was first called African Drum and was based in Cape Town. This magazine was made for Black readers.
When the magazine wasn't doing well, Bailey took full control. He changed its name to simply Drum. The main office then moved to Johannesburg. Drum became a very important and widely read magazine across Africa.
James Bailey also started another newspaper in 1955. It was called the Golden City Post. This was the first Sunday newspaper in South Africa made for Black readers.
Later Life and Death
James Bailey passed away in 2000 when he was 80 years old. He was married to Barbara, and they had four children.
Books by James Bailey
James Bailey was also a writer and published several books:
- As In Flight (1961)
- National Ambitions (1958)
- Eskimo Nel (1964)
- The God-Kings and Titans (1973)
- The Sky Suspended (1990)
- The Poetry of a Fighter Pilot (1993)
- Sailing to Paradise (1993)
