James F. Morris

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Captain James Fitz-Morris MC and Bar (6 April 1897 - 14 August 1918) was a British, World War I flying ace. Records record his name in various spellings; Fitz-Morris, JF Morris, Fitzmorris or Fitzmaurice.

Born and raised in Polmont, Scotland, Morris was trained as a motor engineer, joining the Royal Engineers in 1914. Shortly afterwards, he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and was trained as an Observer. He flew on the Vickers Gunbus with 11 Squadron in 1915, before retraining as a pilot. Sent to 1 Squadron, his operational career was curtailed after an injury in a flying accident in August 1916, fracturing his nose and suffering concussion.

He then joined 25 Squadron in July 1917, flying the FE2d and then the DH 4 bomber, claiming with his gunner some 7 aircraft shot down.

He then became a flight commander in 23 squadron, flying the SPAD from early 1918 onward, winning the MC and bar. Morris was then sent out to the British War Mission in Washington, DC, as an instructor to the USAS.

His final claims total was 1 aircraft captured, 8 and 1 shared destroyed, 4 'out of control'.

At the age of just 21, he was killed in an accident flying a Sopwith Camel in Cincinnati Ohio USA on August 14, 1918. Captain Fitzmorris landed at the Western Hills Country Club along with two other British aviators. Upon take off his engine suddenly died and the plane plunged to the ground. His body was taken to Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati and then sent to Pitsburgh on September 5, 1918. Regarded as a local hero, his hometown of Polmont was in mourning following his tragic demise.

His father had great difficulty in persuading the American authorities to return his body. After more than a year, his funeral was finally held in November 1919, with more than a thousand people believed to have paid their respects on the day.

[edit] Citations

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on photographic and offensive patrols. On at least four occasions he has displayed great dash and courage in attacking hostile machines, two of which he completely destroyed, and has driven others down out of control." MC citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 9 January 1918

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During operations he carried out many reconnaissances at a low altitude and obtained valuable information. On one occasion, while on a bombing patrol, he saw an enemy machine attacking our troops with machine gun fire from about 500 feet, and at once attacked it and drove it to the ground. He then attacked seven enemy scouts, one of which he drove down in flames inside our lines. He has also destroyed five other enemy machines and driven down two others out of control. He has always set a magnificent example of dash and determination." MC Bar citation, Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 June 1918