What did you do in the War Daddy?
Derek James the author has died at the age of 92. Derek was a prolific writer and a top Rank aviation author, he produced no less five of the Putnam series of reference books, and many others.
Derek joined Gloster Aircraft Company as an apprentice early in World War II, and as such found himself to be in a ‘Reserved Occupation’. Intent on doing his bit he became a member of the Royal Observer Corps. In 1944 he was 20 years old when he volunteered to be an aircraft spotter on D-Day, with the ships of the invasion fleet, identifying aircraft in an attempt to avoid friendly fire incidents. He went in to Sword Beach three times, while on board the ‘Empire Jupiter’, setting foot on the beachhead on the third occasion.
He was one of the recipients of La Legion d’ Honneur awarded by France to D-Day veterans. As a result of his service on D-Day he was also ‘Mentioned in Dispatches’ a distinction that often understates the true merit of its award.
This personal glimpse is offered to show how little you know of people you already respect, in fact I didn’t even appreciate that the Royal Observer Corps had ever been placed in ‘Harms Way ’ in this fashion..
David Gibbings
By: Arabella-Cox - 20th February 2016 at 23:16
Very sad to hear of his passing. Only this afternoon I relied on one of his books for reference.
By: NEEMA - 20th February 2016 at 20:07
Huge respect. Sorry to see him go, His Putnam’s “Gloster” ( 1971) is one of my standard References.
By: Mr Creosote - 20th February 2016 at 20:00
Wasted many a happy hour with his Putnam titles, especially Gloster Aircraft, as I’m sure many other people will continue do for many years. Not many of us can make such a mark doing something we love, and leave such a legacy. Had no idea about his war record. RIP, and thanks.
By: warferry - 20th February 2016 at 18:48
The Royal Observe Corps guys had the Seaborne shoulder badge and the rank of Petty Officer . Paid a special rate of £1 a day,over 1000 of the volunteers reported for duty.Two were killed by enemy action. I had the pleasure of attending group meeting with some of them during my service with the Corps.
By: trekbuster - 20th February 2016 at 18:23
His book on Schneider Trophy aircraft kickstarted a lifelong interest in the subject and was the first of what is now a not insignificant portion of my aviation related bookself.
Thank you Derek. RIP
By: 1batfastard - 20th February 2016 at 18:10
Hi All,
Most people from all walks of life who served in whatever way through the war never really mention what they did, it was just what was required or felt by the individual wanted to contribute in whatever way they could in that time period and to discover little known facts about people already known is really fascinating and makes you admire them more for their achievements. RIP Mr James.
Geoff.
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February 20, 2016 at 5:56 pm