Air Commodore James Stanley Scott MC, AFC (18 February 1889 – 19 July 1975) was a leading figure in the pre-World War II Royal Canadian Air Force and a Royal Flying Corps officer during World War I.
James Stanley Scott | |
---|---|
Born | Roberval, Quebec | 18 February 1889
Died | 19 July 1975 Halifax, Nova Scotia | (aged 86)
Allegiance | Canada |
Service | Royal Canadian Air Force |
Years of service | –1945 |
Rank | Air Commodore |
Battles / wars | World War I World War II |
Awards | Military Cross Air Force Cross |
Scott was born in Roberval, Quebec in 1889 and graduated from Quebec High School.[1]
In March 1916 Scott was seconded from the Canadian Artillery to the Royal Flying Corps.[2] Only four months later in July 1916, while serving as a lieutenant, Scott was awarded the Military Cross for attacking a train well behind the German lines even though his aircraft was very badly damaged by enemy fire.[3] He transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1918 and after the Armistice he was awarded the Air Force Cross.[4]
After the War Scott returned to Canada, and after promotion to wing commander, he served as the Officer Commanding the Canadian Air Force from 1921 to 1922.[5] Two years later, Scott who was promoted to group captain again held the Air Force's senior post, this time as the Director of the Royal Canadian Air Force.[6] During this time he petitioned his superior Major-General J H MacBrien for permission for the Air Force to stop focussing on forestry and photography work in order to train as a fighting force. Scott's request was refused and he continued in post until 1928.[7]
On 1 April 1931, Scott was granted the honorary rank of air commodore.[8]
Scott left the RCAF and returned to duty in 1939 and served during World War II and retired in 1945.[1]
Scott died in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1975.[1]