R.H. James, DFC - crew 22 (Pollard pilot / 15 missions; Sept 1943 - Feb 1944)

An air bomber who has sent loads of destruction plummeting to enemy targets on 30 sorties, F/O R.H. James (941 West 20th Ave.) Vancouver, was recently awarded the DFC. When his Bluenose squadron Halifax had its windshield smashed in colliding with a bird, the skipper was temporarily blinded and the big plane plunged out of control. With about an hour’s experience as a pilot behind him, James took over the controls. He pulled out of the dive, steered home and landed on the second attempt.

10 July 1944

Courtesy CFJIC, PL–31161, 31162 / U.K.–12597, 12598