James Francis Edwards

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James Francis "Stocky" Edwards (born June 5, 1921 - ) was a Canadian fighter pilot during World War II. Edwards is Canada's highest scoring ace in the Western Desert Campaign.

Born in Nokomis, Saskatchewan, Edwards grew up in Battleford, Saskatchewan. After graduating from St Thomas College in 1940 he volunteered for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Flight Sergeant Edwards was posted to 94 Squadron RAF of 223 Wing in January 1942 flying the P-40 "Kittyhawk" and on March 23 flew his first operational trip, during which he shot down his first enemy aircraft, a Bf-109. In May he was posted to 260 Squadron, and saw intensive action for the rest of 1942. By September he had 6 kills and was commissioned. A Distinguished Flying Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross were awarded by the start of 1943, by which time Edwards was a Flight Commander. His tour finished in May 1943, total claims made being 13 aircraft shot down and several ground kills.

In November 1943 he was posted to first 417 Squadron RCAF, then 92 Squadron RAF, flying the Spitfire VIII. At the start of March 1944 he was posted to the UK, flying operations over Europe with 274 Squadron.

After leave in Canada, Edwards returned to the Western Front, flying Spitfire XVI's as 127 Wing CO in 1945.

His final wartime score was 15 and 3 shared destroyed and 9 destroyed on the ground.

[edit] Decorations and Medals

[edit] References

  • Ralph, Wayne (2005). Aces, warriors and wingman: the firsthand accounts of Canada's fighter pilots in the Second World War. John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd.. ISBN 0-470-83590-7.

[edit] External links

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