BIOGRAPHY
Flying Officer James Alexander Whitecross, D.F.C.

Biography provided by 6 (Jim Whitcross) RCACS
Flying Officer James Alexander Whitecross, D.F.C. was just one of the many gallant sons of Winnipeg who answered the call to defend England, and freedom, in the conflict now known as World War II.
Jim, son of Mr and Mrs James Whitecross, then of 183 Ash Street, was born in Winnipeg on March 3rd, 1917 at the height of World War I when aviation was in its early stages of development. He grew into a typical, healthy spirited youth, fond of games, the companionship of his friends, and most particularly, motorcycles.
Robert H Smith public school and St. John's College gave Jim his matriculation, and it was while studying Engineering at the University of Manitoba that he decided to answer the call to build up the Royal Air Force.
January 1939 saw Jim on his way to England, and by the time war was declared in September, he had won his wings. It was to be many months before Jim, now a fully trained combat pilot, had an opportunity to use his hard won skills against the enemy.
On the night of April 28th, 1941, while on a flight over occupied France, Jim was shot down and had to abandon his aircraft. By "bailing out" he won his parachutists wings. No official record has ever been released of his experiences in occupied Europe, but Jim, though down, was not out. After nine days in the company of other allied aviators, and with the assistance of the French underground, Jim managed to escape into unoccupied France. From there they moved into Spain only to be arrested and jailed. Fortunately, the Spanish officials, though after a fortnight, decided to "look the other way" and Jim and his comrades were on their way again. After a brief visit to Madrid, a crossing into Portugal (to see Lisbon) and on to British Gibraltar they eventually returned to Great Britain.
A few months later, with a career of perseverance and high daring already behind him, Jim was awarded with the Distinguished Flying Cross "For distinguished conduct while executing a low-level attack on an enemy airfield…"
Several weeks before his scheduled return to Canada, to have been in late September 1941, Jim volunteered to fly to the aid of an R.A.F. crew down in the North Sea. After successfully locating the crew and dropping supplies he set course for home. Before reaching the coast he radioed that he was experiencing engine trouble. No further word was ever heard from Jim, nor was any trace ever found of him or his aircraft. He was officially listed as presumed dead on May 28th, 1942. Jim is memorialized on panel 30 of the Runnymede Memorial to the Commonwealth Air Forces, outside of London, U.K.
With those words we could close the story of an upstanding young Canadian. It is our task to carry on this tradition of service that Jim Whitecross, and all the other men and women who have answered our country's call in time of war and peace, have established.
No. 6 (Winnipeg) Squadron was officially dedicated as No. 6 (Jim Whitecross) Squadron on April 20th, 1943 in a ceremony held at General Wolfe School. Jim's mother was in attendance, and was presented with a framed recognition of the dedication of the Squadron in her son's name.
Jim is remembered as a quiet-spoken, modest young man whose thoughts were never far from this country that he loved. He lives on thus in the memories of those that knew him, and as an inspiration to those of us who serve this Squadron that bears his name.
London Gazette Honours and Awards
Flying Officer James Alexander Whitecross, D.F.C.
WHITECROSS, F/O James Alexander (41888) - Distinguished Flying Cross - No. 50 Squadron - awarded effective 27 July 1941 as per London Gazette dated 28 July 1942. Born in Winnipeg, 1917; home there; educated at St.John's College School and University of Manitoba. Enlisted in RAF, 1939; killed in action 15 August 1941. AFRO 1497/42 dated 18 September 1942 (reporting his DFC) described him as a Canadian in the RAF. Air Ministry Bulletin 7611 refers. No published citation other than 'in recognition of gallantry and devotion to duty in the execution of air operations'. Public Records Office Air 2/8900 has recommendation for a DSO dated 27 July 1941 when he had flown 29 sorties (180 hours 45 minutes). However, a 30th sortie (incomplete) is described in the text. The document specifies that he is Canadian.
Flying Officer Whitecross has served in an operational unit for nine months. His conspicuous bravery and determination to attack his allotted target throughout this period and in all kinds of adverse weather conditions has been an outstanding example to the other pilots and air crews in his squadron. His consistently cheerful demeanour irrespective of the conditions and opposition which he encountered on his operational missions is worthy of the highest praise. His judgement and skill in finding his primary target and delivering his attack to the very best advantage have achieved the very highest results. His determination to do his duty is exemplified by the following example.
On the 29th April 1941 he was detailed to lay a mine in the harbour of La Rochelle. During this flight the oil pressure of his starboard engine started to fall and he accordingly altered his course towards his base. As he was reluctant, however, not to carry out his task to the best of his ability he descended to a low altitude and laid his mine at Lorient. By this time the oil pressure had fallen to 30 pounds per square inch and shortly after having laid the mine his starboard engine caught fire. He thereupon altered course in order to get over the land and having done so he ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft. After they had done so he also abandoned the aircraft by which time it had reached a height of less than 1,500 feet.
He alighted within a short distance of his crashed aircraft, divested himself of his parachute and immediately set out to make good his escape. After walking for seven days and enduring all kinds of hardships, he succeeded in getting out of occupied France into unoccupied France, where he was arrested. He was taken to an internment camp from which he subsequently succeeded in escaping and travelling by devious means he succeeded in reaching the Spanish frontier which he managed to cross without being detected. He made his way through Spain to Barcelona where he was again arrested and thrown into prison. He was eventually released from prison and with the aid of diplomatic representatives eventually reached Gibraltar from where he returned to this country.
His courage and tenacity it is considered are worthy of the highest praise and should receive official recognition.