James Jolly (1923 – 2009): A Final Salute
Normandy Veterans Association West Cumbria Branch
Laying up of the Branch Standard, 6 June 2008
(L-R) Keith Hitchen, Roy Rogers, Jim Jolly Freida Hitchen
Laying up of the Branch Standard, 6 June 2008
(L-R) Keith Hitchen, Roy Rogers, Jim Jolly Freida Hitchen
Mr Jim Jolly, R.A. from Cleator Moor, Cumbria passed away on Saturday 25 April 2009 at the age of 85. Jim was originally from southern England and during WW2 served firstly in the Home Guard and then in the Royal Artillery. He will be missed by his dear wife Mary, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends.
Jim took part in the Normandy Landings and for several years until 6 June 2008, Jim also served as Branch Secretary of the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association (Branch No 51). In the above photograph taken after the Branch Standard had been laid up for the last time Jim can be seen talking with Councillor Mr Keith Hitchen (Mayor of Copeland), Mrs Freida Hitchen (Mayoress) and Mr Roy Rogers, a former N.V.A. Branch Standard Bearer.
For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below
Jim took part in the Normandy Landings and for several years until 6 June 2008, Jim also served as Branch Secretary of the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association (Branch No 51). In the above photograph taken after the Branch Standard had been laid up for the last time Jim can be seen talking with Councillor Mr Keith Hitchen (Mayor of Copeland), Mrs Freida Hitchen (Mayoress) and Mr Roy Rogers, a former N.V.A. Branch Standard Bearer.
For additional information click on ‘Comments’ below
posted by ritsonvaljos at 4:23 pm
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Additional information
Members of the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association held their final service on 6 June 2008, the anniversary of the Normandy Landings on D-Day. 6 June 1944. After this final ‘stand down’ at St Nicholas Gardens, Whitehaven the Branch Standard was laid up, initially in St Nicholas Chapel and finally at St James’ Church, Whitehaven. This was the final occasion on which Jim Jolly led his team of Normandy Veterans, their relatives, friends and supporters.
Jim Jolly led the Normandy Veterans between 1990 and 2008 passed peacefully away at the age of 85 on Saturday 25 April 2009. Jim was originally born in the East End of London and was brought up in Billericay, Essex. After joining the army (Royal Artillery) Jim was on an exercise in West Cumbria when he met his future wife Mary at a dance at the YMCA in Egremont. At the end of the war Jim served in the Military Police in Germany before returning to civilian life.
During his time as local Branch Secretary of the N.V.A. Jim gave a lot of talks to school children and older students, including ‘Yours Truly’, wishing to learn about the Second World War. Several stories of Jim’s wartime adventures can also be found on the BBC “People’s War” website. In addition, many of the records of the West Cumbria Branch of the Normandy Veterans Association – faithfully recorded over the years by Jim – were donated to the Cumbria County Archives. This is an outstanding legacy that has been left for future generations.
Friday 1 May 2009 sees a final salute to Jim Jolly, R.A. (1923 – 2009). He will be sadly missed but not forgotten
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