MCCUDDEN JAMES: (1895-1918) English Fighter Ace of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his ...

MCCUDDEN JAMES: (1895-1918) English Fighter Ace of World War I, Victoria Cross winner for his flying services over France, August 1917 - March 1918. Extremely rare D.S., `J. B. McCudden´, one page, 4to, France, 29th December 1917. The partially printed typed document is a typed letter report relating to Combats in the Air prepared by McCudden following his action in a S.E.5. Aircraft at Havrincourt, in the Pas-de Calais area, France, stating `Left aerodrome at 9a.m. and crossed the lines E of Gouzeaucourt at 9.45 at 14,000. Saw 3 E.A. two-seaters coming W. I dived on these followed by my patrol and drove an L.V.G. down from 13,500 to the ground, then E.A. made a pretence of landing in our lines, but put his engine on again and made N.E. at about 10 feet. I headed him W again, but he again turned E, so I fired another burst into him and then he got into a flat spin and crashed at sheet 57c. K 28. D. near Havrincourt at 9.55 a.m. Climbed and only found two embers of my patrol. I then approached 4 Albatros Scouts over Bois de Vancelles, who went down E. Several E.A. two-seaters patrolling E of the Canal at Vendhuille at about 3000 feet, too low to engage. Returned 10.50.´ An excellent signed document relating directly to McCudden's 36th Aerial Victory (from a total of 57 confirmed Victories). Few file holes to the upper left corner and border not affecting the text or signature. VG