James Fitzmaurice

James FitzMaurice (January 6, 1898 - September 26, 1965) was an aviator pioneer. He was a member of the crew of the Bremen. The Bremen made the first successful Trans-Atlantic flight from East to West on April 12, 1928 - April 13, 1928.

World War I

In 1915, James enlisted in the British Army, 17th Lancers (a cavalry unit). He was sent to France, was wounded, and was twice recommended for a Commission. James arrived in France circa May 1916. He was then posted to an English unit, the 7th Battalion of the Queen's Royal (West Surrey) Regiment of Foot. It was part of the 55th Brigade in the British 55th division. In July 1916, James fought in the Battle of the Somme.

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In 1916, James became an acting sergeant in The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) (an infantry unit). On his 19th birthday in January 1917, James held the rank of Corporal, was an acting Sergeant, and commanded Platoon No. 13 of D Company of the 7th Queen's. In May 1917, James was approved for a commission. On June 8, 1917 Cpl. Fitzmaurice left for England "to take up commission". He was sent for training to Cadet College and gazetted to 8th Battalion, Liverpool, Irish Regiment. James was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on November 28, 1917 and was posted to the 8th Irish Battalion of the King's (Liverpool) Regiment. James was then posted to the School of Military Aeronautics at Reading. June 1,1918 James began his "practical flying training" at Eastbourne Aerodrome. October 28 1918 Having completed his elementary training at Eastbourne James was posted to the No. 1 School of Fighting and Aerial Gunnery at Marske, near Middlesbrough. James completed his training as a fighter pilot and was posted to sail to France on November 11, 1918 the day that the armistice became effective. His sailing was canceled when the Armistice was announced.

Related Topics:
The Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) - June 8 - 1917 - November 28 - June 1 - 1918 - October 28 - November 11

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