Patrick Jameson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Patrick Geraint Jameson
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| Nickname(s) | Jamie |
| Born | 10 November 1912 Wellington, New Zealand |
| Died | 1 October 1996 (aged 83) Lower Hutt, New Zealand |
| Allegiance | United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Royal Air Force |
| Years of service | 1936–1960 |
| Rank | Air Commodore |
| Commands held | RAF Wunsdorf (1952–54) RAF Schleswigland (1945–46) No. 122 Wing RAF (1944–45) Norwegian Wing (1942–43) Wittering Wing (1942) No. 266 Squadron (1940–41) |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Companion of the Order of the Bath Distinguished Service Order Distinguished Flying Cross & Bar Mentioned in Despatches (3) War Cross (Norway) Silver Star (United States) Order of Orange Nassau (Netherlands) |
Air Commodore Patrick Geraint "Jamie" Jameson was a brave pilot from New Zealand. He became a top officer in the Royal Air Force (RAF). During the Second World War, he was known as a "flying ace." This means he shot down at least five enemy planes.
Jamie was born in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1912. He joined the RAF in 1936. He flew in many important battles. These included the Norwegian campaign and the Battle of Britain. He was very skilled and earned several awards for his bravery. These included the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and the Distinguished Service Order. By the end of the war, he had destroyed at least nine enemy aircraft.
After the war, he continued to serve in the RAF. He retired in 1960 and returned to New Zealand. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 83.
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Jamie's Early Life and Training
Patrick Jameson, often called Jamie, was born in Wellington, New Zealand. This was on November 10, 1912. His father, R. D. Jameson, was from Dublin. Jamie went to Hutt Valley High School. After school, he worked as a clerk for an insurance company.
He loved flying and learned to fly at the Wellington Aero Club. He flew a Gipsy Moth plane by himself in 1933. A few years later, he decided to join the Royal Air Force (RAF). He traveled to England in 1936.
When he arrived in London, he applied to become an RAF officer. He was accepted and became the best student in his flying class. After more training, he joined No. 46 Squadron in January 1937. His squadron flew Gloster Gauntlet fighter planes. Later, they got the faster Hawker Hurricane fighter.
World War II: A Flying Ace's Story
When the Second World War began in September 1939, Jamie was a flight lieutenant. He was in charge of a group of planes in No. 46 Squadron. In the early war months, his squadron patrolled the English coast. They once shot down three German Heinkel He 115 seaplanes.
Fighting in Norway
In May 1940, Jamie's squadron was sent to Norway. They supported British forces fighting there. They flew from Bardufoss airfield. Their job was to protect Royal Navy ships and help ground troops.
Soon after arriving, Jamie led a group that destroyed two German Dornier Do 26 seaplanes. The next day, he shot down a Junkers Ju 88 bomber.
In June, the Allies had to leave Norway. After covering the troops, the Hurricanes of No. 46 Squadron landed on the aircraft carrier HMS Glorious. This was the first time Hurricanes had ever landed on a carrier! Jamie and two other pilots proved it was possible.
Sadly, the Glorious was sunk by German battleships the next day. Jamie and his squadron commander, "Bing" Cross, were among the few survivors. They drifted for three days in freezing water. Only seven men were rescued by a Norwegian ship. Jamie and Cross were the only two pilots from their unit to survive.
Jamie was hospitalized for six weeks because his feet were badly swollen. For his bravery in Norway, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in July 1940.
Leading a Squadron in Battle
After recovering, Jamie took command of No. 266 Squadron in September 1940. His squadron flew Supermarine Spitfires. They had been fighting hard in the Battle of Britain. Jamie focused on training new pilots.
After the Battle of Britain, his squadron began flying at night. They hunted German bombers attacking British cities. On April 9, 1941, Jamie shot down a Heinkel He 111 bomber during a raid on Coventry. On May 10, during a huge bombing raid on London, he destroyed another He 111.
Becoming a Wing Leader
In June 1941, Jamie was promoted to wing commander. He became the leader of the Wittering Wing. He led many attacks into German-held territory. On one mission, he destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter. He also damaged another and destroyed a Messerschmitt Bf 110.
In October, he received a bar to his DFC. This meant he got a second DFC award. The award recognized his leadership and bravery. By this time, he had destroyed six enemy aircraft.
Jamie was married to Hilda, whom he had known since high school. In 1942, he was mentioned in official reports for his war service. He continued to lead the Wittering wing.
In August 1942, Jamie led a special wing during the Dieppe Raid. He flew four missions that day. He destroyed a Focke Wulf Fw 190 fighter. In December, he took command of the Norwegian Spitfire Wing. He flew 21 missions with them.
In February 1943, he had a close call. He was attacked by many Fw 190s over France. His guns jammed, but he managed to escape into the clouds. Later that month, he destroyed two Fw 190s while protecting bombers. His wing claimed seven enemy planes that day. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his amazing leadership. By this time, he had destroyed nine enemy aircraft.
In May 1943, Jamie moved to a staff job. He helped plan fighter operations. In October, the King of Norway awarded him the Norwegian War Cross.
In July 1944, Jamie took command of No. 122 Wing. This wing flew North American P-51 Mustang planes. Their job was to support Allied ground forces. They attacked German transport and buildings. His wing also took part in Operation Market Garden. By the end of the war, Jamie was a true flying ace. He was credited with destroying nine enemy aircraft.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Jamie continued his career in the RAF. He was stationed in Germany and later worked at the Air Ministry in England. He helped train fighter pilots. For his war service, he received awards from the Netherlands and the United States. These were the Order of Orange Nassau and the Silver Star.
He was promoted to group captain in 1949. He commanded Wunsdorf again from 1952 to 1954. He then became a senior officer at No. 11 Group. In 1956, he was promoted to air commodore.
In 1959, Jamie was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. This was a high honor. He retired from the RAF on August 6, 1960. He returned to New Zealand and lived in Lower Hutt. Patrick Jameson passed away on October 1, 1996, and is buried at Taita Cemetery.
Images for kids
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Patrick Geraint Jameson
