Duncan, James Charles Edward

Service number:: 655003 (NCO)/156058 (Officer)
Nationality:: British

Biography

At the outbreak of the war Jimmy Duncan enlisted into the Army and served for 18 months as a physical training instructor in the 9th Battalion Manchester Regiment. But in March 1941 the Glasgowegian volunteered for aircrew training as a pilot with the Royal Air Force. Following his elementary flying training he salied for Canada for further training. After completion of further training he was posted to no. 248 Squadron which was equipped with Beaufighters. He then leftwith the squadron for Malta, detailed with convoy and reconnaissance duties. Late Summer 1942 the squadron was withdrawn and moved to Wales where it flew interceptor missions over the Western Approaches and later Bay of Biskay.
Further postings included an instructor posting at no. 9 Coastal OTU and folling his commission and the awarding of his DFM he was transferred to No. 2 Coastal OTU and 79 OTU at Nicosia, Cyprus.
At the end of of he was he transferred to the Fleet Air Arm and joined 762 Squadron and later 703Squadron.
After leaving the Navy he continued flying naval aircraft.

It is not known how his dismissal by court sentence interfered with the rest of his career.

12 August, 1943: Pilot Officer on Probation (emergency)
12 February, 1944: Flying Officer (war sub)

8 October 1944: Dismissal by Court Sentence

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Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM)

Period:: Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:: Sergeant
Unit:: No. 248 Squadron, Royal Air Force
Awarded on:: September 10th, 1943

The original citation recorded hsi participation in numerous air combats over the Bay of Biscay when he had displayed great determination and a high devotion to duty. Reference was made to his attack on the U591 and the citation concluded: "He has proved himself to be a keen and gallant operational pilot and has set a magnificent example as such to all ranks.".