Login
iscover
World War II Royal Australian Air Force Pilot Officer Jim Hocking has been honoured by the town of March in the UK for his heroic actions in 1944 that saved many lives.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
21-year-old Hocking made the incredible decision to sacrifice his own life to save his crew and an estimated hundreds of lives in March in Fenland, Cambridgeshire, on 28 July 1944.
The Nambour local was on his final training flight when the bomber's engine caught on fire, with Hocking then ordering his crew to parachute to safety while he diverted the bomber from crashing into the town.
For his actions, Hocking was posthumously awarded the Australian bravery award the Star of Courage.
The town of March, which is 120 kilometres north of London, has never forgotten his heroic act, with the Fenland District Council enjoying a longstanding Friendship Agreement with the Sunshine Coast Council, which is "anchored in remembering the efforts of Pilot Officer Hocking".
Last weekend, the March Museum honoured Hocking with an event that saw his family members read out letters written by him.
A book on Pilot Officer Hocking’s life and actions, March Hero, written by Sunshine Coast journalist and author Dot Whittington, was also showcased at the event.
The BBC also honoured Hocking with a radio segment on his actions.
“Out of the tragedy of war a lasting friendship has developed with so many families in the March area, and March is now a second home to members of the Hocking family,” Hocking’s brother Alan Hocking said.
“The March War Museum has a permanent display which includes maps, a model of Jim in his pilot’s uniform and I have also provided them with a replica set of Jim’s medals.”
Councillor Jenny McKay has known the Hocking family for many years and said it is important to continue to honour Hocking and his heroic deeds.
“I have now known his brother Alan who has kept the story of his heroic deeds of his brother that saved lives and now has allowed Nambour State College students to aim each year for the prestigious Jim Jockey Award. Through this, I feel I too have known Jim,” McKay said.
