James Anderson Slater

James Anderson Slater, MC and Bar, DFC (27 November 1896 – 26 November 1925) was a British Flying Ace in World War I credited with 24 victories.

Involvement in World War 1

Slater joined the Royal Sussex Regiment as a private in 1914 and was later commissioned in the Royal Ulster Rifles. In 1915 he transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as an observer and flew in France with No 18 Squadron from November 1915 to March 1916.

After pilot training, Slater joined No. 1 Squadron RFC in August 1916 and served in this unit until May 1917. After a period as an instructor, he was promoted to captain and became a flight commander with the newly-formed No. 64 Squadron, equipped with DH5 aircraft. Slater was posted to France in October 1917 and shot down the squadron's first enemy aircraft. The squadron re-equipped with SE5a aircraft, on which type Slater achieved the majority of his victories. Over an eighteen day period in May 1918, Slater was involved in twenty-five engagements and claimed eight enemy aircraft shot down.^[1]

Slater returned to Home Establishment in July 1918 and finished the war again as an instructor. His war time tally consisted of 11 and 1 shared destroyed, and 9 and 3 shared 'out of control'.

Later Military Service

Slater continued in the instructing role both in the UK and in the Middle East and also flew with Nos. 20, 216 and 1 Squadrons. Slater was killed in a flying accident, whilst instructing at Central Flying School, Upavon.^[1]

Citations for military honors

Military Cross (MC)

"T./2nd Lt. (T./Capt.) James Anderson Slater, Gen. List and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When returning from a patrol he attacked enemy infantry, silenced a field gun and fired on transport. On another occasion he silenced a battery in very difficult weather conditions, fired on ammunition wagons and enemy infantry, and brought back his patrol safely. He also led a patrol of twelve machines in very bad weather to attack a wood held by the enemy. His patrol dropped over thirty bombs, fired 3,000 rounds and drove the enemy from the wood with heavy casualties. In the course of this flight six enemy scouts were engaged and driven off. Later, he led a similar patrol with great success. He showed splendid courage and determination."

Supplement to the London Gazette, 5 July 1918 (30780/7924)^[2]

Military Cross (MC) Bar

"T./Capt. James Anderson Slater, M.C., Gen. List, and R.F.C.

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. On one occasion during the recent, operations he attacked a large formation of hostile scouts, one of which he drove down in flames. Later, during the same flight, he took part in a general engagement, in which he drove down another enemy machine completely out of control. Two days later he attacked two enemy scouts, causing one of them to crash to earth. In eighteen days he has engaged in twenty-five combats at close quarters, shooting down eight hostile machines. His great gallantry and fine offensive spirit have inspired all ranks to a very high degree.

(M.C. gazetted 4 February 1918.)"

Supplement to the London Gazette, 22 June 1918 (30761/7400)^[2]

Distinguished Flying Cross (United Kingdom) (DFC)

"Lt. (T./Capt.) James Anderson Slater, M.C.

This officer has led numerous offensive patrols with the utmost skill and determination, and it is entirely due to his fine leadership that many enemy aircraft have been destroyed with the minimum of casualties to his formation."

Supplement to the London Gazette, 3 August 1918 (30827/9204)^[2]

Notes

References

• Shores, C., Franks, N., Guest, R (1990). Above the Trenches. Grub Street. ISBN 0-948817-19-4.