It is with great sadness that I have to report the passing of Jim Fury HLI. Jim was a stalwart of the HLI Association, and was a familiar face to many at various veterans parades over many years. Jim was 1st Bn HLI serving in Cyprus in the 1950s, and in The RASC in Malaya in the 1960s.
Jim passed away at home in the care of his loving wife Jan on Thursday 5th October 2023.
Provided by Steve Dobson
Here is my Dad’s discharge book when he eventually got home after more than three years with the HLI.
There was a slight mistake on the discharge book as my Dad is shown as a Lance Corporal, when he was by that time a Corporal.
My Dad seems to think that the document was signed by a Major who was the 2IC, to the Lieut. Colonel. It looks like the Major was J.G. Coulter or Coultard. It says that Dad’s Military Conduct was Exemplary and the Testimonial reads “Classified Signaller. Thoroughly honest, sober and dependable. Intelligent and thoroughly respectful in his manner. A good signal ??(word unclear)”
Apparently this was the Army equivalent of a letter of recommendation to be used when getting a job.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed Dad’s stories.
Charles Dobson Then and Now
The Highland Light Infantry Association standard was paraded by Association members Jim Devine and Jimmy Urquhart for Victoria Cross commemoration events at Dumbarton on Saturday 23rd September (Assaye Day), and at a service in Cambuslang Parish Church on Tuesday 26th September for 1/9th (Glasgow Highlanders) Bn. Highland Light Infantry Victoria Cross recipient L/Cpl John Hamilton. Commemorative plaques were unveiled on the banks of the river Clyde and river Leven at Dumbarton, and in Cambuslang Parish Church.
Both events were well attended by local dignitaries and veterans organisations, and most importantly, John Hamilton’s grandson Gordon and granddaughters Meryle and Hazel had all made long journeys from around the country to mark this commemoration of their valiant grandfather.
On 25/26 September 1917 north of the Ypres-Menin Road, Belgium. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty during the enemy’s attack on the line held by our Brigades. The greatest difficulty was experienced in keeping the front and support lines supplied with ammunition. As it was of vital importance that this should be got forward Lance Corporal Hamilton on several occasions on his own initiative carried bandoliers of ammunition through the enemy’s belts of fire to the front and support line, and then passing along these lines in full view of the enemy’s snipers and machine guns distributed the ammunition. By his splendid example of fearlessness and devotion to duty he inspired all who saw him with fresh confidence and renewed their determination to hold on at all costs.
He later achieved the rank of Sergeant. Between the two World Wars he remained an active reserve and Territorial Army member. At the outbreak of World War II he was in hospital and missed mobilisation, and luckily missed his unit being captured at St Valery in the defence of Dunkirk. He eventually was promoted through the ranks and finished the war as a Colonel in charge of an Italian prisoner of war camp in England. He died at the age of 77. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the National War Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle.
