Courage Aflame

Biography of Sergeant Pilot James Ward VC, RNZAF (14 Mar 1919 - 16 Sep 1941) who completed flying training in NZ with the RNZAF before being seconded to the Royal Air Force for war service in the UK where he served with 75 (NZ) Squadron RAF as a pilot. The biography traces the origin of James Allen Ward who was born in Wanganui, NZ after his family had emigrated from Coventry, UK. JA Ward adopted a nickname Jimmy given him during a spell in hospital which stayed with him. The book locates Jimmy Ward into the context of the establishment of the RNZAF and the development of pilot training in NZ before the start of WW2, tracking his enlistment and pilot training as an airman pilot in NZ. His journey by sea from NZ to the UK is followed by meeting up with his older brother in London before he starts his bomber conversion training in Scotland and his eventful posting to an operational squadron at RAF Feltwell, NorfolkCentral to the book details his wartime action which led to him being awarded a Victoria Cross while 2nd Pilot in a Wellington bomber, based on his post action report which was broadcast by the BBC World ServiceThe balance of the book follows his short time as a national hero and the problems this involved before he became a captain, the various operations completed before he and his crew were lost in a bombing raid. His loss and the impact on his family is covered in detail along with the eventual discovery of his final resting place which took a several years. The book is supported by extracts from personal and official letters and photographs together with a series of Annexes to complement the story