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D-Day veteran and author Jim dies, aged 91
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| MEMORIES: Jim Bellows pictured during a visit to the village of Arromanches, in Normandy |
Hampshire D-DAY veteran Jim Bellows, who wrote a book inspired by his time in the Hampshire Regiment, has died aged 91.
During recent years he had been suffering from breathing problems and he died at his home in Calmore.
It was when he was aged 27 that the former signal sergeant took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944 to liberate western Europe from Nazi occupation.
After spending two days in an American transit camp at Cadlands Park in the New Forest he boarded the landing craft from Southam-pton headed for the Normandy coastline.
The vessel saw many of its servicemen doomed when it crashed into a sandbar as it sped onto the beach.
Recalling his wartime experiences in the year he made his pilgrimage to Normandy during the 60th anniversary commemorations Mr Bellows said: "People don't realise the losses we sustained but these were people you had known for ten years. They were like brothers rather than soldiers."
He carried on with the Allied advance up to Brussels but was wounded there and recuperated back home.
After returning to Europe for a short time he came back to England where he trained infantrymen.
Mr Bellows, who was born in a terraced house in Tower Place near the Bargate, then worked as a post office engineer before becoming a stevedore in Southampton docks.
As a Southampton man born and bred he wrote a book entitled My Southampton, In the Twenties and Thirties - a collection of memories from the city's close knit communities.
His other book called When in doubt, brew up, recalled his days in the Hampshire Regiment in which he said that the tea and humour helped to bolster the morale of the squaddies.
John Evans, secretary of the Southampton, Eastleigh and New Forest branch of the Hampshire Regiment Comrades Association said: "He's going to be greatly missed. He was one of the old timers."
Mr Bellows is survived by his wife Nancy and their three children.
"His funeral service will take place on Thursday.
10:47am Tuesday 2nd September 2008
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CommentPosted by: beckieboo, tornhill on 11:28am Tue 2 Sep 08
God bless you, a true angel.
God bless you, a true angel.
Posted by: Fred on 11:53am Tue 2 Sep 08
"His other book called When in doubt, brew up"
Reminded me of the film A Bridge Too Far.
From GreatCinemaGreats:-
"Yet comedy still plays a large part, mostly British ‘stiff upper lip stuff’ that non brits will not readily identify with. Examples would be Connery's response when asked if he wants a cup of tea"
Thanks Mr Bellows.
"His other book called When in doubt, brew up"
Reminded me of the film A Bridge Too Far.
From GreatCinemaGreats:-
"Yet comedy still plays a large part, mostly British ‘stiff upper lip stuff’ that non brits will not readily identify with. Examples would be Connery's response when asked if he wants a cup of tea"
Thanks Mr Bellows.
Posted by: Never Forger, Totton on 12:07pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Did not know this gentleman. However he along with all the others that served our nation, have my greatest respect. Hope you are at peace now Sir.
Did not know this gentleman. However he along with all the others that served our nation, have my greatest respect. Hope you are at peace now Sir.
Posted by: Miles Sway, Scotland on 12:09pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Another hero gone. RIP Jim.
Another hero gone. RIP Jim.
Posted by: General Malaise, Nearby on 12:58pm Tue 2 Sep 08
If the government want to know what it means to be British it would appear that this gentleman epitomises what it means.
Duty, honour, commitment to country, family and community - plus a sense of humour.
If the government want to know what it means to be British it would appear that this gentleman epitomises what it means.
Duty, honour, commitment to country, family and community - plus a sense of humour.
Posted by: Wewullywinky on 1:07pm Tue 2 Sep 08
This man led an amazing life and my condolences go to his lovely family.
I'm sure many will remember him for many years.
This man led an amazing life and my condolences go to his lovely family.
I'm sure many will remember him for many years.
Posted by: bacon butty on 2:17pm Tue 2 Sep 08
fair plat good innings, but not the done thing to write books eh.
fair plat good innings, but not the done thing to write books eh.
Posted by: Sheila Powell, Calmore on 3:31pm Tue 2 Sep 08
A close neighbour. Spent many a time having a gossip!!! What a great character will be sorely missed by all. Rest in peace now Jim your work is done
A close neighbour. Spent many a time having a gossip!!! What a great character will be sorely missed by all. Rest in peace now Jim your work is done
Posted by: Forum administrator on 3:38pm Tue 2 Sep 08
[quote][bold]bacon butty[/bold] wrote:
fair plat good innings, but not the done thing to write books eh.[/quote] What are you on about?
bacon butty wrote:
fair plat good innings, but not the done thing to write books eh.
What are you on about?
Posted by: bacon butty on 3:51pm Tue 2 Sep 08
well he is obviously a very good bloke and well lioked and respected, he had a very good innings, was just saying it is not the done thing nowadays to publisise your mil career however interesting it is
well he is obviously a very good bloke and well lioked and respected, he had a very good innings, was just saying it is not the done thing nowadays to publisise your mil career however interesting it is
Posted by: Miles Sway, Scotland on 4:24pm Tue 2 Sep 08
[quote][bold]bacon butty[/bold] wrote:
well he is obviously a very good bloke and well lioked and respected, he had a very good innings, was just saying it is not the done thing nowadays to publisise your mil career however interesting it is[/quote] Why not - personal accounts are essential so others can understand what goes on. Would you prefer it was all sanitised and written by historians who weren't there?
bacon butty wrote:
well he is obviously a very good bloke and well lioked and respected, he had a very good innings, was just saying it is not the done thing nowadays to publisise your mil career however interesting it is
Why not - personal accounts are essential so others can understand what goes on. Would you prefer it was all sanitised and written by historians who weren't there?
Posted by: Ann Bellows, Pewsey on 4:26pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Just read bacon butty's comment - irrelevant comment at this time, you obviously have not read the book. I am proud of my father and all he did in his life. I helped him with his books and found so much out about him and others through that. It was a great experience for me and one I am proud to be part of.
Just read bacon butty's comment - irrelevant comment at this time, you obviously have not read the book. I am proud of my father and all he did in his life. I helped him with his books and found so much out about him and others through that. It was a great experience for me and one I am proud to be part of.
Posted by: maureen, South Wales on 4:35pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Having only just discovered Jim Bellows through buying his "My Southampton" book from Jake Simpkin, I was saddened to learn of the death of this interesting man. I am grateful for his writings having been born in Southampton but lived in Wales since age 6 months and grateful for Jake for bringing him to my attention.
Having only just discovered Jim Bellows through buying his "My Southampton" book from Jake Simpkin, I was saddened to learn of the death of this interesting man. I am grateful for his writings having been born in Southampton but lived in Wales since age 6 months and grateful for Jake for bringing him to my attention.
Posted by: Miles Sway, Scotland on 4:38pm Tue 2 Sep 08
[quote][bold]Ann Bellows[/bold] wrote:
Just read bacon butty's comment - irrelevant comment at this time, you obviously have not read the book. I am proud of my father and all he did in his life. I helped him with his books and found so much out about him and others through that. It was a great experience for me and one I am proud to be part of.[/quote] Ann, You should be justly proud of your father, as we should of all our veterans who fought for the freedom that allows idiots like Bacon Butty to make such inappropriate and ill thought out comments
Ann Bellows wrote:
Just read bacon butty's comment - irrelevant comment at this time, you obviously have not read the book. I am proud of my father and all he did in his life. I helped him with his books and found so much out about him and others through that. It was a great experience for me and one I am proud to be part of.
Ann, You should be justly proud of your father, as we should of all our veterans who fought for the freedom that allows idiots like Bacon Butty to make such inappropriate and ill thought out comments
Posted by: Ann Bellows, Pewsey on 4:56pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Thank you Miles for your lovely comments and for all the other lovely and positive comments that have been made today. They far out weigh the negative comment made by Bacon Butty - did he fight for his country I wonder?
Thank you Miles for your lovely comments and for all the other lovely and positive comments that have been made today. They far out weigh the negative comment made by Bacon Butty - did he fight for his country I wonder?
Posted by: Woodentop, Southampton on 5:19pm Tue 2 Sep 08
A salute to a fine soldier - the backbone of his country. Those of us who have been privileged to serve know and have known men like this, and are better for it !
Go, tell the Spartans thou passest by, that faithful to their precepts, here we lie.
A salute to a fine soldier - the backbone of his country. Those of us who have been privileged to serve know and have known men like this, and are better for it !
Go, tell the Spartans thou passest by, that faithful to their precepts, here we lie.
Posted by: Woodentop, Southampton on 5:28pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Further to my last:
182 of Serjeant Bellows comrades fell on that beach, including the Commanding officer and Second in Command. The Regiment fought on to the bitter end in 1945.
Further to my last:
182 of Serjeant Bellows comrades fell on that beach, including the Commanding officer and Second in Command. The Regiment fought on to the bitter end in 1945.
Posted by: reality check, Earth on 5:31pm Tue 2 Sep 08
[quote][bold]Woodentop[/bold] wrote:
Further to my last: 182 of Serjeant Bellows comrades fell on that beach, including the Commanding officer and Second in Command. The Regiment fought on to the bitter end in 1945.[/quote] For anyone who doesn't understand the achievement or sacrifice made (or doesn't care!) they should be sent to stand on these beaches and then visit one of the numerous war graves in the Normandy countryside - humbling, totally and absolutely humbling.
Woodentop wrote:
Further to my last: 182 of Serjeant Bellows comrades fell on that beach, including the Commanding officer and Second in Command. The Regiment fought on to the bitter end in 1945.
For anyone who doesn't understand the achievement or sacrifice made (or doesn't care!) they should be sent to stand on these beaches and then visit one of the numerous war graves in the Normandy countryside - humbling, totally and absolutely humbling.
Posted by: ALAN, ashurst on 5:39pm Tue 2 Sep 08
what a prat bacon butty is men like jim bellows saved his bacon if you did not now the man keep your remarks to yourself this man and others never had a youth he spent his time fighting for his country and freedom R.I.P uncle jim
what a prat bacon butty is men like jim bellows saved his bacon if you did not now the man keep your remarks to yourself this man and others never had a youth he spent his time fighting for his country and freedom R.I.P uncle jim
Posted by: EILEEN, new forest on 6:04pm Tue 2 Sep 08
I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN MY UNCLE HE WAS A VERY CARING AND HARD WORKING MAN THANKYOU FOR SHARING YOUR WAR DAYS HE ALWAYS HAD LOTS OF INTERESTING THINGS TO TALK ABOUT HIS EARLY LIFE IN SOUTHAMPTON AND HE COULD CONVERSE ON ANY SUBJECT WILL MISS YOU UNCLE JIM
I AM PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN MY UNCLE HE WAS A VERY CARING AND HARD WORKING MAN THANKYOU FOR SHARING YOUR WAR DAYS HE ALWAYS HAD LOTS OF INTERESTING THINGS TO TALK ABOUT HIS EARLY LIFE IN SOUTHAMPTON AND HE COULD CONVERSE ON ANY SUBJECT WILL MISS YOU UNCLE JIM
Posted by: Jock, Soton on 6:28pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Bacon Butty is probably not bright enough to realise, that Sgt Bellows sacrifices allow him to say what he likes, and I am sure the good Sgt would - as he did before, defend the right for people to say what they like - even if it borders on the idiotic. Freedom is not a gift, it is bought, and not cheaply.
Bacon Butty is probably not bright enough to realise, that Sgt Bellows sacrifices allow him to say what he likes, and I am sure the good Sgt would - as he did before, defend the right for people to say what they like - even if it borders on the idiotic. Freedom is not a gift, it is bought, and not cheaply.
Posted by: Stinks, NHS insider on 7:16pm Tue 2 Sep 08
It's thanks to brave men like Jim that we live in a free society and people like Bacon Butty are able to make their irrelivent comments. RIP Jim.
It's thanks to brave men like Jim that we live in a free society and people like Bacon Butty are able to make their irrelivent comments. RIP Jim.
Posted by: Stanley Wedge, CANADA on 7:21pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Why do you let this ignorant IDIOT, Baon Butty,Have his Comment? He should be put AWAY, EX. Sgt S.Wedge ,Ex World War Two. Veteran.
Why do you let this ignorant IDIOT, Baon Butty,Have his Comment? He should be put AWAY, EX. Sgt S.Wedge ,Ex World War Two. Veteran.
Posted by: Yvette Lodge, Los Angeles on 8:47pm Tue 2 Sep 08
Let’s not forget that this is about Jim Bellows, whose contribution to the free society you now enjoy should be remembered with sincere appreciation. I had the privilege of knowing Mr Bellows and am a richer person for it.
Let’s not forget that this is about Jim Bellows, whose contribution to the free society you now enjoy should be remembered with sincere appreciation. I had the privilege of knowing Mr Bellows and am a richer person for it.
Posted by: Woodentop on 5:35am Wed 3 Sep 08
Voltaire - " I don't agree with what you say, but will I will defend to the death your right to say it". That is of course what Serjeant Bellows and his comrades fought for. Bacon Butty is wrong, but freedom often means we accept the rantings of the foolish.
Voltaire - " I don't agree with what you say, but will I will defend to the death your right to say it". That is of course what Serjeant Bellows and his comrades fought for. Bacon Butty is wrong, but freedom often means we accept the rantings of the foolish.
Posted by: woodentop, soton on 5:37am Wed 3 Sep 08
In my last - delete on first line "but will" ! Oops.
In my last - delete on first line "but will" ! Oops.
Posted by: Sky1, Dorset on 12:45pm Fri 5 Sep 08
In a world of some much violence, hate & disrepect from the youngsters of today, we could learn a lot from these brave men, who were only youngster at the time they went to war & fought for their country.
My grandfather was also at the Normandy landings - respect is due to all of them - we owe them an immense gratitude - thank you to all those who have and are fighting to preserve all that we know - RIP x
In a world of some much violence, hate & disrepect from the youngsters of today, we could learn a lot from these brave men, who were only youngster at the time they went to war & fought for their country.
My grandfather was also at the Normandy landings - respect is due to all of them - we owe them an immense gratitude - thank you to all those who have and are fighting to preserve all that we know - RIP x
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