Written by Richard Ingham
Book design and image enhancement by Martin Teviotdale
FROM FIRE TO FAITH AND FREEDOM
The story of Second World War fighter pilot Jimmy James
FLT SGT Evan Walter 'Jimmy'
JAMES
Service: Royal Air Force
Service Number: 1653092
Mustering: Pilot
Born: 27 April 1923, Wales
Died: 11 January 2024, England
Enlisted: 1942 [19 years of age]
Next of Kin: JAMES, Dan
POW: Stalag Luft 7 at Bankau Poland — 1944-1945
Rank: Flight Sergeant—
promoted to Flight Lieutenant—Post WWII
For Jimmy it was a time of happiness and reflection, of recollection and thanks. Jimmy had a loving wife and a devoted family.
As with all birthdays there were gifts and thanks to be expressed. But through the happiness there was one gift which couldn't be wrapped. It was one which Jimmy treasured and for which he was happy to give thanks. It was the gift of life.
That life had so nearly been snatched away from him over seven decades before when he was a Second World War pilot.
His Kittyhawk single-seater fighter had been hit by enemy fire and he struggled to get out of the cockpit. He survived but he felt then, and still feels today, that he was not alone in the cockpit. He still speaks of that hand of God and being saved for a purpose.
That Christian belied, that faith, has never left Jimmy. He still gives thanks and is a valued and respected member of his local church. He is also much liked by the school-children he is happy to visit and to talk to about his experiences and, of course, by his family who recognise they would not be there were it not for what Psalm 46 calls "God's very present help in trouble"...
In April of 2018 when this true story was being compiled, its central character, Jimmy James, was celebrating his 95th birthday.
450 Squadron RAAF Association Inc. received special permission to reproduce this remarkable story from:
- RAF Pilot, veteran Evan Walter 'Jimmy' James formerly of No. 450 Squadron RAAF
- Author, Richard Ingham, former regional and national UK journalist with newspapers and magazines including, The Times and BBC News
- Book Designer, Martin Teviotdale UK
All efforts were made to maintain the integrity of the written words from this story ensuring its accuracy to the highest level.
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450 Squadron RAAF Association Incorporated.
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Jimmy's full story can be accessed by clicking on the image below —