Service number:

90125

Nationality:

British (1801-present, Kingdom)

James Little, an Etonian, joined 601 Squadron, Auxiliary Air Force in 1934, moving in September 1936 to 611 Squadron. Mobilised in August 1939, he was posted in October to commanded A� Flight of 219 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. On 26 March 1941 he was taking off from Northolt in 219 Squadron's Miles Magister 'hack', when a Ju 88 appeared from cloud and machine-gunned the aircraft; fortunately, both he and the aircraft survived undamaged. Having taken command of 418 Squadron in December 1942 he was killed on 12th June 1943 when his Mosquito aircraft crashed into a hill shortly after takeoff. He had at that stage amassed a tally of three kills and one damaged.
Aged 31 at the time, Little was buried in Grange Cemetery, Hoylake, Cheshire.

Promotions:
July 26th, 1936: Pilot Officer
March 15th, 1936: Flying Officer
September 3th, 1939: Flight Lieutenant
December 1st, 1940: Temporary Squadron Leader
March 1st, 1942: Temporary Wing Commander

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Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Rank:

Acting Squadron Leader

Awarded on:

March 17th, 1941

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Unit:

No. 219 (Mysore) Squadron, Royal Air Force

Citation:
"This officer has commanded the squadron since May, 1940. He has carried out numerous operational flights by night, and on one occasion he succeeded in shooting down a Dornier 17. His excellent leadership has contributed materially to the operational efficiency of the squadron."

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Awarded on:

December 3rd, 1942

Air Ministry Order N1638 3rd December 1942. (the first of promulgation of Air Efficiency Awards)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

With "BATTLE OF BRITAIN" clasp.

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

Period:

Second World War (1939-1945)

• - The London Gazette Issue 34080 published on the 21 August 1934
  - The London Gazette Issue 34272 published on the 7 April 1936
  - The London Gazette Issue 34794 published on the 20 February 1940
  - The London Gazette Issue 35010 published on the 10 December 1940
  - Supplement to The London Gazette Issue 35107 published on the 14 March 1941
  - The London Gazette Issue 35110 published on the 18 March 1941
  - The London Gazette Issue 35503 published on the 27 March 1942
  - The London Medal Company