James Gillies Benson

James Gillies Benson was born in London on 17 July 1914 and educated at Westminster School. He joined the RAF Volunteer Reserve in June 1939 and was called up at the outbreak of war, later receiving a commission as a pilot officer. In July 1940 he was posted to No. 141 Squadron, flying Boulton Paul Defiant night fighters during the closing weeks of the Battle of Britain. Crewed with radar operator Lewis Brandon, he opened his account in late 1940 and the pair went on to a long and successful partnership. Awarded the DFC in October 1942, Benson moved with Brandon to No. 157 Squadron in February 1943, where they flew Bristol Beaufighters and then de Havilland Mosquitoes. He destroyed several enemy aircraft and, over five weeks in 1944, six V-1 flying bombs, earning a Bar to his DFC and the DSO. He survived the war, worked afterwards for Esso Petroleum, and died on 12 July 1987.