James Latta

Who is James Latta?

Captain James Douglas Latta was a World War I flying ace credited with five aerial victories.

Latta flew originally for 5 Squadron, but only began his winning ways after his February 1916 transfer to 1 Squadron to serve as a fighter pilot operating a Nieuport. He destroyed an enemy aircraft at Wezmacquart on 1 June 1916. His next two victories, on 25 and 26 June, made him a balloon buster, as he shot down an enemy observation balloon on each day. It also won him a Military Cross, gazetted a month later on 27 July. Latta then transferred to 60 Squadron as a flight commander. He drove down enemy airplanes out of control on 31 August and 19 September for his last two wins. He was withdrawn from battle on 23 November 1916 for a rest.

Latter joined 66 Squadron as a flight commander in May 1917, to fly a Sopwith Pup. He was shot down and wounded in action on 8 June 1917. He did not serve on active duty after that.