As colder conditions and icy winds descended on Staines,  club staff and members were busy making preparations for a “first” in the club’s history; a party to commemorate the 100th birthday of long standing member Jim Hart, in the knowledge that the weather was never going to delay the arrival of a hardy Newcastle-born ex-military man.

The club laid on a buffet of sandwiches, rolls, marinated chicken skewers, spring rolls and dips, along with a commemorative cake.  A helium balloon and specially printed drape formed the backdrop for photo opportunities to commemorate the occasion.

Live music from soloist Bryan Just got everyone including Jim on their feet throughout the evening, with iconic songs covering many of the eras Jim has been privileged to be a part of, whilst we were all very privileged to be in his company for such a special event.

Jim had his birthday officially recognised by the Queen with a traditional telegram in its modern form.  He is looking forward to the next one which will be on his 105th birthday.

Jim’s working career began at the start of World War 2 as an aero engineer and he later worked for Jardines, a British conglomerate, before taking on the Station Master role at Shanghai airport.

1949 was an eventful year when Jim was called into action during the Yangtse River Incident involving HMS Amethyst which ran aground on Rose Island under fire from the People’s Liberation Army. Warships had been operating lawfully in Shanghai and Nanking during the civil unrest, to enable the evacuation of British Nationals in the event of a breakdown in law and order due to the hostilities.

Stranded, and unable to be assisted by nearby HMS Consort and HMS Black Swan due to continued attacks, a Sunderland flying boat was flown from Shanghai airport with a naval officer and RAF doctor on board, and successfully reached the Amethyst. The Sunderland made many attempts to deliver supplies and evacuate injured crew members, often returning damaged, and it was Jim’s job to keep it airworthy and operational.

Many mentions of the vital role the Sunderland played in the incident appear in the official report from The House Of Lords and Lieutenant-Commander Kerans, including the following which can be read in full at www.naval-history.net

“That afternoon a naval and a Royal Air Force doctor, with medical supplies and charts, were flown by a Sunderland aircraft of the Royal Air Force to the “Amethyst.” Both the aircraft and the “Amethyst” were fired upon. The ship was hit, but the Sunderland managed to transfer the R.A.F. doctor and some medical supplies before being forced to take off. The “Amethyst” then took shelter in a creek.”

“Another courageous effort to reach “Amethyst” was made by the R.A.F. in a Sunderland on the afternoon of the 22, but the aircraft was driven off by artillery fire without succeeding in making contact. The “Amethyst” then moved a further four miles up river. She was in close touch with the Flag Officer, and after a number of courses had been considered, it was decided that she should remain where she was”

More images can be found at www.maritimequest.com

Jim also served time as a Station Master at Nassau, New York and Barbados. When he returned to British soil he worked for BOAC and then British Airways during the introduction of the first Boeing 747’s and the magnificent Concorde.