James Grant (aviator)

Sergeant James Grant was credited with eight aerial victories during World War I. The teenage non-commissioned officer was a rarity among flying aces. While most aces were commissioned officers and fighter pilots, he was an observer and gunner aboard a bomber. Nonetheless, his accuracy with a machine gun and his doughtiness led to his being awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal when he was only 18 years old.

Early life
James Grant was born in Argyll, Scotland, the United Kingdom in 1899. He was living in Sandbank, Argyll and Bute when he enlisted into military service.

World War I heroism
James Grant had gained the rank of Sergeant Mechanic with No. 57 Squadron RAF when he flew as an observer/gunner from March to September 1918 in the squadron's Airco DH.4 light bombers. The squadron was stationed at Le Quesnoy, France at that time, and was tasked with photo reconnaissance sorties and bombing missions. It was dangerous work, with a high casualty rate.

On 10 June 1918, Grant began the valourous actions that brought him recognition in Royal Air Force communiqués. On 10 June, while being piloted by Lieutenant C. W. Peckham on a bombing raid to Bapaume, France, they were attacked by eight German Fokkers. At 2010 hours, between Grévillers and Vimy, Grant shot down an attacking Triplane in flames. Fifteen minutes later, he destroyed another assaultive Dreidecker.

Nine days later, at 1930 hours, Sergeant Grant was being flown over Bapaume by Lieutenant J. T. Kirkham when a Pfalz D.III attacked. Grant and another air crew made up of Lieutenant Claud Stokes and Corporal J. H. Bowler caught the German fighter in a crossfire; it fell out of control.

On 14 August, while flying as a gunner with Lieutenant E. M. Coles, Grant shot down a Fokker D.VII that was on their tail. The British bomber was returning from a raid. Although the pursuit plane was destroyed over Roisel, in an early use of a parachute, the German pilot bailed out.

On 1 September 1918, 57 Squadron was out on another bombing mission with Lieutenant Cole when they were attacked by a score of German fighters. Grant destroyed another Fokker D.VII over Cambrai, France at 1400 hours. Grant was now an ace, having scored five victories for three different pilots. Three days later, while manning the guns for Captain Andrew MacGregor, the shooting sergeant sent another Fokker D.VII down out of control into Bourlon Woods at 10 in the morning. The next day, Grant was still teamed with MacGregor. They flew two missions that day. At 1125 hours, west of Marcoing, France, Grant destroyed his third Fokker D.VII. At 1605, he destroyed his fourth D.VII west of Avesnes-le-Sec. One of that day's vanquished Fokkers burst into fire; the pilot leaped out. No parachute was spotted. Evidently, the German aviator preferred death by fall rather than by flame.

Post World War I
Sergeant James Grant's courage and marksmanship earned him a well-deserved Distinguished Flying Medal. Although the award date is unknown, it was gazetted in The Edinburgh Gazette of 5 December 1918. As the award citation noted:


 * "On 1 September (1918), whilst on a bomb raid his formation was attacked by fifteen Fokker biplanes and five triplanes. In the severe fighting that ensued Sergeant Grant served his gun with exceptional skill...it was largely due to his good shooting that the enemy were eventually driven off."

On 30 April 1991, Grant's Distinguished Flying Medal went on the auction block at Christie's. It sold as Lot 216, Sale 4517. The price was £770 sterling.