WORLD War II pilot Jim Hocking, from Nambour, paid the ultimate price in 1944 when he sacrificed his own life to save his crew and  residents of a town in England.

Jim was posted to England and attached to the Royal Air Force [RAF] in August 1943 for  training in bomber aircraft. He was promoted to Pilot Officer having completed his training.

The next step for Jim and his crew was to convert to four engine heavy bombers, training on Short Stirlings.

Their final training mission on July 27 and 28 1944 was a night flight, cross country then out over the North Sea. Just 25 minutes after take-off from West Wratting airfield near Cambridge two engines caught fire and the Pilot Officer ordered all crew to parachute to safety while he stayed at the controls to divert it from crashing into the town of March in Fenland.

In saving the town Jim paid the supreme sacrifice. Were it not for his bravery hundreds of people may have died.

 ... “two engines caught fire and the Pilot Officer ordered all crew to parachute to safety while he stayed at the controls to divert it from crashing into the town of March in Fenland.”

His act has never been forgotten by the town about 120km north of London.

On  July 28 1988, the 44th anniversary of Jim’s death, a memorial plaque was unveiled and dedicated at March’s historic Saint Wendreda’s church.

In 2015 Jim’s bravery was finally recognised by the Australian Government with the posthumous awarding of the Star of Courage which was accepted by Jim’s brother Alan.

Alan was honoured that the townspeople of March still remember and continued to honour his brother.

“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,” Mr Hocking said at the time.

In 2019 the March Museum honoured Jim with an event to give people the chance to listen to letters he had written.

A book on his life and actions - March Hero - was also showcased at the event.

Jim is also commemorated at the Nambour Museum where a replica of his award is displayed.

The March War Museum has a permanent display which includes a model of Jim in his pilot’s uniform and replicas of Jim’s medals.

Jim’s sacrifice led to the establishment in 1997 of a Friendship City Agreement between Fenland District Council and the former Maroochy Shire Council. It continued with the formation of Sunshine Coast Council in 2008.

Jim Hocking was born in Nambour on the 12th December, 1922, the son of William and Eva Hocking. He attended the Nambour Rural School and then went on to be a foundation student of the Nambour High School. After leaving school he worked at Whalley’s Garage in Currie Street, Nambour. 

– Clive Plater, Nambour Museum

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