Son of Tylney Harris Child and Constance Octavia Child of 83 King's Road, Leytonstone

He went to Canada and took up banking and mining prospecting. He enlisted in the Canadian Militia, and, when war broke out, not being able to leave with either the First or Second Canadian Contingent, came over at his own expense and obtained a commission in the Durham Light Infantry and the Manchester Regiment. As he was not sent to the front, he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, later the Royal Air Force, and for his work he was Mentioned in Despatches, won the Military Cross, the decoration of Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II and the Belgian Croix de Guerre. Later he secured a permanent commission.

He met his death in Scotland after an endeavour to rescue fellow officers from an aeroplane accident.

Military Cross (MC)
Lt. (T./Capt.) James Martin Child, Manch. R. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While leading a patrol he encountered four enemy scouts, one of which he destroyed. On another occasion he attacked one of two enemy two-seater machines which he encountered over the enemy's lines. He disabled the machine, and skillfully turned it towards our lines, where the enemy pilot was forced to land and he and his observer were taken prisoner. On another occasion he attacked five enemy scouts, one of which he destroyed. He showed the greatest judgment and determination.

Victories
1 23 Apr 1917 1520 19 SPAD VII (B1537) Albatros C (DES) NW of Douai
2 25 May 1917 0645 19 SPAD VII (B1537) Albatros D.III (OOC) W of Douai
3 07 Jun 1917 0915 19 SPAD (B3502) DFW C (DES) SW of Menin
4 21 Oct 1917 0825 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.III (OOC) Gheluvelt
5 08 Nov 1917 1415 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.V (OOC) 1 E of Poelcapelle
6 22 Nov 1917 1145 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.V (DES) NE of Bourlon Wood
7 22 Nov 1917 1150 84 S.E.5a (B562) DFW C (CAP) Flesquires
8 30 Nov 1917 1230 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.V (DES) Malincourt

Permission given by Scott Hamilton at theaerodrome.com to use the photo of James

Son of Tylney Harris Child and Constance Octavia Child of 83 King's Road, Leytonstone

He went to Canada and took up banking and mining prospecting. He enlisted in the Canadian Militia, and, when war broke out, not being able to leave with either the First or Second Canadian Contingent, came over at his own expense and obtained a commission in the Durham Light Infantry and the Manchester Regiment. As he was not sent to the front, he was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps, later the Royal Air Force, and for his work he was Mentioned in Despatches, won the Military Cross, the decoration of Chevalier of the Order of Leopold II and the Belgian Croix de Guerre. Later he secured a permanent commission.

He met his death in Scotland after an endeavour to rescue fellow officers from an aeroplane accident.

Military Cross (MC)
Lt. (T./Capt.) James Martin Child, Manch. R. and R.F.C.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While leading a patrol he encountered four enemy scouts, one of which he destroyed. On another occasion he attacked one of two enemy two-seater machines which he encountered over the enemy's lines. He disabled the machine, and skillfully turned it towards our lines, where the enemy pilot was forced to land and he and his observer were taken prisoner. On another occasion he attacked five enemy scouts, one of which he destroyed. He showed the greatest judgment and determination.

Victories
1 23 Apr 1917 1520 19 SPAD VII (B1537) Albatros C (DES) NW of Douai
2 25 May 1917 0645 19 SPAD VII (B1537) Albatros D.III (OOC) W of Douai
3 07 Jun 1917 0915 19 SPAD (B3502) DFW C (DES) SW of Menin
4 21 Oct 1917 0825 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.III (OOC) Gheluvelt
5 08 Nov 1917 1415 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.V (OOC) 1 E of Poelcapelle
6 22 Nov 1917 1145 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.V (DES) NE of Bourlon Wood
7 22 Nov 1917 1150 84 S.E.5a (B562) DFW C (CAP) Flesquires
8 30 Nov 1917 1230 84 S.E.5a (B562) Albatros D.V (DES) Malincourt

Permission given by Scott Hamilton at theaerodrome.com to use the photo of James