Born in Colorado in 1919, James Nelson learned to fly when studying at university. Having first enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Nelson came to England in July 1941, and joined the new 133 Squadron, one of the three 'Eagle Squadrons' of the Royal Air Force composed of United States nationals who wished to fight before their country had entered hostilities. Based then at RAF Coltershall, 133 Squadron flew Hurricanes, but after a brief spell at RAF Duxford in August were, in early 1942, converted to Spitfires. In May of that year the Squadron became part of the Biggin Hill Wing. Nelson is known to have participated in one action which involved the shooting down of three German aircraft off of the Humber and was part of the fighter cover over York when that City was being bombed. He also flew on the Dieppe Raid, when all three Eagle Squadrons were engaged. Whilst most US nationals transferred over to the USAAF in 1942, following America’s entry into the War, Squadron Leader Nelson remained with the Royal Air Force where he commanded special high-altitude Spitfire Mk VI aircraft with No.124 Squadron, designed to counter the threat of German Ju86 bombers that could fly in excess of 40,000 feet. For his leadership he was awarded the Air Force Cross in the New Years’ Honours List, January, 1944.

By now a Test Pilot at RAE Farnborough, Nelson later test flew for Vickers, then F G Miles, and finally A V Roe in 1948. It was while flying a Mosquito in September 1945 that Nelson had his luckiest escape, as one engine failed at an altitude of only 200 feet. He crashed, breaking 30 bones and later lost one leg as a result of the incident at Farnborough.

After recovering he returned to the RAE on the Jet Development Flight. He joined Avro in 1948 after three years as a test pilot for Miles Aircraft. Besides flying the Avro 707 in 1951, forerunner of the Vulcan bomber, he flew the Ashton, Shackleton and Athena but then returned to the USA in 1953.

Retired from RAF as a Sqn Ldr

Awards: Air Force Cross, 1939-1945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, Defence Medal.