The Happy Warrior: James Thomas Byford McCudden VC

Very through background study of a great English Ace.

As far as I know, apart from con Richthofen’s book, this book by James McCudden is the only book written at the actual Time that they were fighting by a true flying ace of the First World War, thus making it a true reflection of what life fighting over the front lines was really like at the time.

“The Happy Warrior” is another wonderful book by Alex Revell. As with his previous books, “High in the Empty Blue: The History of 56 Squadron, RFC/RAF 1916-1919”, “Brief Glory: The Life of Arthur Rhys Davids, DSO, MC”, the author weaves together official records, and logbooks, with family letters, diaries, and remembrances of contemporaries to bring a more complete picture of these young men who served in the Royal Flying Corps / Royal Air Force during the 1914-1918 War.In telling the story of James McCudden, possibly the finest pilot and patrol leader of the First World War, the author allows us to catch a glimpse of the man and add context to his accomplishments. To quote directly from “The Happy Warrior”:“To put McCudden’s superlative record still further in perspective it must be remembered that not only was he still a young man, but that he achieved his success in a Britain in which social class was still a dominant feature, which barred many from advancement in both civilian and military life. In an autocracy, rather than a meritocracy, James McCudden’s progression through the ranks in eight years, from a boy bugler in the Royal Engineers in 1910 to that of Major, with his country’s highest decoration for bravery, was a remarkable achievement.”The author’s research is in depth and beyond question, and provides many details of McCudden’s life and especially of life in the early RFC/RAF. Alex Revell writes from a perspective that few modern authors could possibly have: he actually knew some of these men who fought in the skies above France and interviewed them extensively during the 1960’s. As with “High in the Empty Blue”, their memories and first-hand knowledge not only provide clarity to the historical record, but bind the past to the present in extraordinary ways, and bring this distant history to the here and now. Lastly, the Appendices and the Endnotes are a treasure trove of additional information – so much so that I found myself reading the book from back to front! This is a must read for anyone interested in James McCudden and the RFC/RAF in the First World War.

Excellent modern biography of one of the great "aces" and tacticians of WWI, by a recognized expert. From a boy bugler of 15, to a 24 year old major with 57 victories and the Victoria Cross, McCudden was a product of his times, and Revell paints a fine portrait of both the man and those times. Highly reccommended.

This is an excellent book and rare insight into the life and career of one of Great Britain's most important combat pilots. It is the fitting culmination of the author' lifetime of research into this brave and interesting historic figure. Highly recommended. Thank you, Mr. Revell, for sharing this life with us.

Excellent book. Don't pass it up if you are interested in World War One aviation history!

great

The best book on James McCudden VC as opposed to his own book: Flying Fury-five years in the Royal Flying Corps. Alex Revell never wrote a bad book and this is one of his finest along with the epic work he did for: High in the Empty Blue-about 56 squadron, which features McCudden VC and Ball VC among other amazing fighter pilots, in what was the top fighter squadron of WW1 for some time. The book is beautifully illustrated with very rare, never before seen pictures loaned to the author by family members and his story covers his childhook, his early start as a RFC ground crew member, then gunner flying missions with other pilots and then becoming, at one time, a top scoring fighter ace with 57 air victories, most of which are verified by German sources, unlike some other higher scoring Allied aces. James McCudden was a rare example of someone who started out as a low ranked groundcrew working on engines who rose to a prominent role as a leader and a Major in the RFC and RAF of WW1. He wrote his own book: Five Years in the Royal Flying Corps-later titled as Flying Fury, which is also an excellent read and Alex covers his combats in more detail as well as adding a lot left out by "Mac". Jimmy McCudden met and inspired many other pilots and was a legend whilst he lived. Sadly, he spun into a wood due to a faulty replacement carburretor of the wrong type fitted to his SE5a on taking off to join a squadron he had been promoted to lead on his return to active operations. Had he lived, I believe he would have equalled Richthofen`s 80 victories. Alex Revell has been writing many excellent books for decades, I first read his books, as a child, in the 1970s and this is one of his finest and most researched books. I was honoured to share an article with him, when interviewed by the BBC along with Alex Revell and Joshua Levine for a online article: The Mysterious Deaths of the English Aces by Grieg Watson (BBC). Alex is simply one of the longest standing experts on aviation research and writing, particularly about WW1 and was a pioneer of the Cross and Cockade Society of Air Historians decades ago. He goes from strength to strength. The book is large, paperback and well worth adding to your collection. Paul Davies Aviation Historian.

Great book!

Respected WW1 aviation author Alex Revell has put together what must surely be the final word in accounts of the RFC/RAF career of Jim McCudden. But then, Alex is undoubtedly the foremost expert on the life of this remarkably disciplined young man, having researched and studied him for several decades. The detail is fascinating and extensive, with many accompanying photographs, so there is plenty here to keep all readers interested, be they experts or casual readers of of WW1 aviation books.With so many photos included, it is a shame that the printing process chosen by the publisher has not made the best of them, a fact acknowledged by the author himself in an email conversation I had with him shorty after the book became available. Nevertheless, it will make a very welcome addition to the library of any enthusiast of the genre. Highly recommended!

Many books have been written about James McCudden, including one by McCudden himself (Flying Fury, originally published as Five Years in the RFC.) Alex Revell has drawn heavily on previous works, which he freely admits, and adds much new information not available to previous authors. His book is an authorative history both of the McCudden family and life in the RFC during WW1.

What a wonderful biography of the great McCudden.There is great love and admiration implicitly expressed in this biography. Alex Revell puts McCudden in perspective amongst the the greats of the First World. He had a tactical intent in destroying the German reconnaissance aircraft and set about this with a ruthless efficiency.I have always been a fan of 'Five years in the RFC' and this stands equal to it, in bringing to life a great British Fighter Pilot.