Born in Sunderland on this day in 1916, James Alfred Wight OBE FRCVS (1916-1995), better known by his pen name James Herriot, was a British veterinary surgeon and author of a series of books about his experiences working as a rural veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales set in the 1930s-1950s.

Born in Sunderland on this day in 1916, James Alfred Wight OBE FRCVS (1916-1995), better known by his pen name James Herriot, was a British veterinary surgeon and author of a series of books about his experiences working as a rural veterinarian in the Yorkshire Dales set in the 1930s-1950s.

His first book, "If Only They Could Talk," was published in 1970. This book, along with several sequels, including 'All Creatures Great and Small', 'All Things Bright and Beautiful', and others, chronicled his adventures and the colourful characters he encountered while working in the Yorkshire Dales.

From 1933, James attended veterinary school at Glasgow Veterinary College, qualifying in 1939. Shortly after graduating, #ww2 began. 

His veterinary license exempted him from having to enlist. However, following the German bombings of Sunderland and Glasgow, the cities where he was raised and grew up, James volunteered for the Royal Air Force in November 1942. 

As a pilot, he excelled and was one of the first in his flight to fly solo.

However, following delicate surgery in July 1943, James was deemed unfit to fly combat aircraft and was subsequently discharged from the RAF as a leading aircraftman in November 1943.

James never saw any combat and was able to return home to his wife, with whom he would stay together for the rest of his life. 

He would remain a working veterinarian until retiring in 1980 and focusing on his writing. 

His famous book, all 'Creatures Great and Small' grapples frequently with the lead-up to the Second World War.