James Humphrey Sprott, RAF, OBE

In my last post, I wrote about a cousin of my great-grandfather who served in the Royal Air Force during World War I. James Humphrey Sprott flew in 218 Squadron until April 12, 1919. On January 1, 1919, James was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. I've now learned more about his life after the Great War.

According to a newspaper article, James went to Coorg, India, to manage his father's coffee plantation. However, at the outbreak of World War II, he volunteered to serve again.

In January, 1931, James and his family returned to England, traveling 
on the Barrabool, of the White Star Dominion Shipping Line. 

James was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his service as Acting Squadron Leader during the Dieppe raid, an attempt by Allied Forces to seize and hold the German-occupied French port of Dieppe. Losses were very heavy, and most objectives were not met, but the Allies learned from the failures and used the experience to prepare for later invasions.

Gloucestershire Echo, October 3, 1942

Badge and ribbon of an Officer of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire 

(Military Division) & OBE

Learn more at the Imperial War Museum.