Chesterfield RAF veteran and former town postman finds his own way to honour the fallen

Eighty-five-year-old Jim Watts usually attends the annual tribute held at St Thomas’ Church in Brampton and has been a supporter of the Royal British Legion (RBL) for many years.

However, with services cancelled this year due to the pandemic, the great-grandfather remained determined to do something to remember fallen comrades.

MORE: Police investigate incident on busy Chesterfield roundabout

So on both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day, this Wednesday, Jim undertook his own solitary act of remembrance outside his home in Chesterfield.

Jim recalls how he left his job as a coal face worker in the 1950s to serve in the RAF as an airframe mechanic in 207 Bomber Squadron, based at RAF Marham in Norfolk.

The squadron was posted to Malta for the brief bombing operation of Suez in 1956.

MORE: Chesterfield pensioner uncovers military secrets to honour RAF hero brother who died in German bombing raid

Before being demobbed in April 1957, ground crew personnel like Jim were trained as firefighters at Washington Hall in Lancashire, where they worked on the brand new Green Goddess fire engines.

Because of the Cold War, Jim and many others were placed on reserve as civil defence personnel.

Jim said: “On being demobbed I worked on the big new housing estates in Newbold, Chesterfield.

"I then worked as a delivery and collection postman for 17 years in Chesterfield.

"I was born in the town centre and have lived all my life in Chesterfield. I am now 85-years-old and still proud to have served my country in the RAF.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.