James McCudden joined the RFC in 1913 and rose through the ranks, from Air Mechanic to Major, to become the British Empire’s most decorated pilot of WWI. He amassed a total of fifty-seven victories and was awarded the VC for ‘conspicuous bravery, exceptional perseverance and a high devotion to duty’.
In mid-1917 Captain McCudden was appointed Flight Commander of 56 Sqn flying SE5As. McCudden scored thirty-two victories in SE5A B4891, which he flew from December 1917 until March 1918 when he left 56 Sqn.
He fitted the aircraft with the spinner from a LVG C.V which he had shot down and it was claimed it increased the top speed of the aircraft by 3mph.
On 9th July 1918 McCudden was tragically killed when a new SE5a he was flying, stalled shortly after takeoff and crashed. He was just 23 years old.