Remebering Jim Hayhurst It is with great regret that I have to report to Branch members the passing into calmer waters of James (Jim) Hayhurst (No 449, National). Jim had suffered a stroke at home, admitted to Queen’s Park Hospital, Blackburn, and died on Tuesday morning 12th May 1998. Jim was a very early member of the CFVA, as you can see by his number, probably joining in 1977. He became a member of our Branch in it’s inaugural year, on the 13th October 1982 along with his “Oppoll SIM D. Gill and their wives. They were regular attenders at Branch meetings and Socials. Their input helped to settle the Branch on a secure foundation. This enabled us to make good progress in the CFVA. Jim (Telegraphist) served on MLs 110, 163, 294 and 443 (St. Nazaire), also MTB679. ML443 with 15 other MLs took part in the raid on St. Nazaire (operation Chariot), only four came back, 443 was one of them. In a new book about this raid Jim is mentioned twice. There is also a photo of him as he was in those days, smart in his uniform and one can see a twinkle in his eye, poor Alice, she didn’t stand a chance with a look like that. Thanks to Jim, the Branch now has a copy of this book and thanks to the book, Jim will be remembered for ever. The funeral service was held at the United Reformed Church at Accrington, where the homily, given by the priest in charge, gave a complete guide to Jim’s life. Family, education, work, play, Royal Navy, CFVA Fleetwood Branch, St. Nazaire Society and many others, all got a mention. It had been a full life. At the Crematorium the Fleetwood Branch Standard, SIB SIM J. Hargreaves with three escorts, SIMS E.K. Whitworth, D. Gill and R. Finch waited for Jim’s arrival, they appeared, right on time at 1400 hours. In slow procession, the hearse with Jim’s coffin draped with the White Ensign, his medals laid out on top, approached the chapel doors. Here the pallbearers, which included two of Jim’s grandsons, both in uniform, Army and RAF, carried Jim into the chapel. Both of them did a splendid job, smart and with dignity, Jim would have been proud of them. All was very quiet as the Priest said his final words, then, as though it was far away, the Last Post could be heard, the Standard was dipped. During the minute’s silence S/m E.K. Whitworth gave the Dedication, this was followed by the Reveille, it was all over. Jim had crossed the bar on a warm afternoon. Outside in the sunshine all were at peace. Alice thanked all for the parts they had played and we thanked Alice for looking after Jim. By J Hargreeves Secretary of the Coastal Forces Veteran Association Back