Background
Gascoyne was born in Royston, Hertfordshire, and joined the Royal Flying Corps in 1913, before the start of the First World War, as one of its earliest recruits.
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James Gascoyne
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Career
In August 1914, he was assigned to Number. After learning to fly in late 1917 at Lilbourne, Northamptonshire, he was granted a temporary commission as a second lieutenant on 19 July 1918, and joined Number. 92 Squadron, based at Serny, in early August 1918.
The squadron was commanded by Arthur Coningham, and equipped with South.E.5a fighters.
On 1 August 1919 Gascoyne was granted a permanent commission in the Royal Air Force with the rank of lieutenant, but resigned from the Royal Air Force on 25 October 1921. World World War II Gascoyne returned to military service during the Second World War, being granted a commission "for the duration of hostilities" in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve as a pilot officer on probation on 4 September 1940.
He was confirmed in his appointment and promoted to the war substantive rank of flying officer on 4 September 1941. On 1 January 1943 he was promoted to flight lieutenant, and on 1 January 1944 received a mention in despatches.
Gascoyne died in Taunton Deane, Somerset, in 1976.
Citation for 2nd Lieutenant James Victor Gascoyne. During the months of October and November this officer has accounted for five enemy machines, and during recent operations he has displayed splendid daring and great skill in attacking enemy troops, et cetera
On 9th November, although he was wounded in the head early in the attack and his machine was badly shot about, 2nd Lieutenant
Gascoyne made a most successful attack on the enemy from a height of 100 feet, obtaining three direct hits and inflicting heavy casualties. Confirmed victories are numbered and listed chronologically.
Unconfirmed victories are denoted by "u/c" and may or may not be listed by date.
Achievements
Membership
3 Squadron Reconstruction Finance Corporation in France as a member of the ground crew.
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Born
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Died
1976 (aged 83) -
Nationality
United Kingdom