From the News

Dated: June 26, 1917

LIEUT. LOCKHART OF THE AVIATORS.

Took the Final Pictures Before the Vimy Advance - Hurt While Doing So.

Among Toronto's bravest and youngest heroes to return home today from overseas was Flight Lieut. James Watson Lockhart , son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Lockhart, 36 Dale avenue. Although minus his left limb, Lieut. Lockhart is proud of the fact that he has been able to be of some service to his Empire.

Lieut. Lockhart left for England in December, 1915, when he joined the Royal Flying Corps of the Imperial Army. For seven months he was engaged in Zepp strafing in England, but was finally sent to France in October, 1916, as squadron photographic officer. While there he did splendid work, obtaining many important pictures which disclosed valuable information to the military officials.

"Two days before the Vimy Ridge attack the British sent up all their largest air craft which took the Hun unawares and the entire western front was cleared of the German machines," he said today.

During this period pictures were taken constantly of the entire front. At noon on the day of the attack orders came for final pictures to be taken, so that the military authorities might learn how the infantry were placed in the trenches, also to see the position of the communication trench across No Man's Land to the Hun front line.

Last Pictures Before Vimy

This information was most essential and although the escort of four machines did not turn up, Lieut. Lockhart with his observer volunteered to do the work, in order that the pictures might be secured in a proper light. Across the German line he flew, taking pictures of every position, when two enemy Albatross machines soared down and engaged him in conflict. An explosive bullet tore away the lower portion of his limb, but despite his injury he piloted his machine into safety, bringing the valued pictures with him.

Lieut. Lockhart spent a few days in the Rouen Hospital, but was later removed to 17 Park Lane, a hospital for the English nobility, under the supervision of Dr.Shield, the famous Australian surgeon. Where there he mingled with brigadiers and many of the English nobility actively engaged in the war. From information gleaned from these men it is the opinion of Lieut. Lockhart that it will be from ten to twelve months before the war will end.

Lieut. Lockhart is 21 years of age and a graduate of St. Andrew's College. Like his forefathers who came of old U. E. Loyalist¹ stock, he has done a real service for his country.