Throughout the First World War, the many announcements of British and Commonwealth gallantry awards appeared in the various issues of The London Gazette. As part of our major monthly series covering the period of the Great War commemorations, we examine some of the actions involved and summarise all of the awards announced in April 1918.
Of the five Victoria Crosses announced in The London Gazette in April 1918, one was to an individual who was, at the time, a household name, not only in Britain but throughout the Commonwealth – Second Lieutenant (T./Captain) James Byford McCudden, DSO, MC, MM. Not only was McCudden, notes the Imperial War Museum, the most highly decorated British Empire pilot of the First World War, and indeed is described as among the most highly decorated airmen in British military history, he was also one of the longest serving, having joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1913. McCudden progressed from the rank of Air Mechanic to Major, amassing a total of 57 aerial victories along the way, most of which were during his time with 56 Squadron flying the Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5. It was for this this impressive service record that McCudden was awarded the Victoria Cross.
His citati…
