Medal Bar of 4 of Flight Lieutenant Bertram Arthur "Jimmy" James

Pilot Jimmy James, shot down and captured in the Netherlands in 1940, was a persistent prison escaper, including during the Great Escape of 24 March 1944. He was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of his numerous escape attempts. The medals are, from left to right, Military Cross, 1939-1945 Star, Aircrew Europe Star, 1939-1945 War Medal with Mention in Despatches oakleaf.

Jimmy James was one of the successful escapers from Stalag Luft III during what became known as “The Great Escape”. He was recaptured after 24 hours on the run. He was subsequently sent to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, where he also managed to tunnel his way out and escape. Recaptured once more, he was held in condemned prisoners' cells, and was saved from execution by the Camp’s liberation by Allied forces on 6 May 1945. The Military Cross is rarely awarded to members of the RAF since it is issued for gallant and distinguished services against the enemy on the ground as opposed to while in the air.