James Tennant (RFC officer) facts for kids

Lieutenant James Tennant was a brave Scottish pilot during World War I. He earned the Military Cross for his courage. He was known as a "flying ace" because he shot down seven enemy aircraft from the sky. James Tennant was born on February 27, 1896.

Early Life and War Service

Before World War I began, James Tennant worked at a bank. He lived in Newton Stewart, a town in Scotland. When the war started, he joined the British Army.

In 1917, Tennant became part of No. 20 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corps. This was the air force branch of the British Army at the time. He flew in a special type of airplane called the F.E.2d. This plane was a "two-seater," meaning it had room for two people. Tennant's job was to be the "gunner/observer." This meant he would look for enemy planes and shoot at them.

Becoming a Flying Ace

James Tennant achieved his first aerial victory on June 9, 1917. This was a tough day for his squadron, as they lost two other pilots, Francis Cubbon and Frederick Thayre, on the same day.

Just four days later, on June 13, Tennant started flying with another pilot named Harry G. E. Luchford. Interestingly, Harry Luchford had also worked in a bank before the war! Together, Tennant and Luchford became a very successful team. They achieved six more victories in a row. Their winning streak lasted from June 13 until August 17, 1917. These seven victories made James Tennant a recognized "flying ace."