James Denis

Georges James Denis (1 February 1906 – 21 June 2003) also known simply as James Denis was a French aviator, pilot, Companion of the Liberation and World War II veteran. He served in the Royal Air Force on the side of the exiled government of Free France and later the French Fourth Republic until retirement in 1954. Denis held 17 victories in aerial combat, earning him the rank of flying ace.

Biography Georges James Denis was born on 1 February 1906 in the town of Croix-Chapeau, Charente-Maritime into a farming family. Denis also became an instructor for radio navigators within the French military after he had to abdicate from his initial position for health reasons.

In the early years of the Second World War, Denis participated on the side of the Free France against Vichy France; joining campaigns in the North African and Middle Eastern regions and mainly piloting a Hawker Hurricane. He participated in the Battle of Dakar and was also stationed in Egypt later in 1941. In the second encounter, Denis himself stated that he used the technique of feigning ignorance to fool Marseille into a false sense of security which enabled him to gain the upper hand against Marseille's Messerschmitt Bf 109.

In 1942, Denis was assigned as the commander of a squadron, but was recalled back to England the year after.

Legacy Throughout his career as a fighter pilot for the Allies, Denis scored a total of 17 aerial victories, hence making him one of the flying aces of World War II.

Honours Georges James Denis was awarded the following honours throughout his lifetime: