D-Day Hero Rifleman Jim Justice Honoured with Full Military Funeral
Dozens of army veterans and mourners answered calls this week to give a D-Day hero a proper final farewell following his death at the age of 99. Rifleman Jim Justice passed away last month, just weeks before what would have been his 100th birthday.
A Life of Service and Sacrifice
Jim Justice enlisted to fight for his country at the age of 17 in 1943, despite his mother's attempts to stop him. A year later, he crossed the English Channel as part of the historic Operation Overlord. Serving as an anti-tank gunner with the Rifle Brigade, the great-grandfather of ten was among the troops who liberated the Normandy village of Villers-Bocage from Nazi occupation.
He subsequently helped defend the village from a fierce German counter-attack involving enemy tank units. Later in the conflict, Jim witnessed the harrowing atrocities of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp upon its liberation in April 1945, where British soldiers discovered approximately 60,000 sick and emaciated prisoners.
A Fitting Final Salute
Jim was laid to rest this week at New Forest Crematorium near Bournemouth, where dozens of veterans gathered to pay their respects. A solemn guard of honour formed as his coffin, draped in the Union Jack, was carried into the building to the sound of two buglers playing The Last Post.
His widow Joy, 90, led the mourners alongside family members, with attendees including friends, serving and former personnel from the Rifles regiment, local dignitaries, police community support officers, and members of the public. The congregation sang the hymns Abide With Me and I Vow To Thee My Country with heartfelt enthusiasm.
Emotional Tributes and Personal Memories
Mike Stephenson from the armed forces charity SSAFA delivered an emotional eulogy to Gentleman Jim, his voice cracking as he declared: Thank you Rifleman Jim. We are forever indebted to you for your valour. You are one of our greatest generations and will never be forgotten.
Jim's daughter Christine Derrington offered closing words, saying: Jim, we will never forget you. You were simply the best. We thank and salute you. May you rest in eternal peace. The service celebrated Jim's love of country music with a rendition of John Denver's Take Me Home, Country Roads before a bugler sounded Reveille.
Post-D-Day Campaigns and Later Life
Following the Normandy landings, Jim's battalion advanced through northern France, holding the line and facing continued German resistance. Their efforts during the latter half of 1944 contributed to liberating towns and villages across Belgium and Holland, where grateful citizens waved flags and sang God Save The King in appreciation.
After the war, Jim remained with the Army of Occupation in Germany until 1947 before returning to civilian life in Britain. He worked in the print industry as a warehouseman in Crawley, West Sussex, building a family life with his wife of 72 years.
Recognition and Royal Encounters
Jim received France's prestigious Legion D'Honneur in 2017 and returned to Normandy for the 80th anniversary D-Day commemorations in June 2024, where he met the Queen and other members of the Royal Family. Last year, he attended the 80th anniversary VE Day service at Westminster Abbey, where the Princess of Wales complimented his singing during the event.
Christine Derrington reflected: Dad would have been 100 years old on February 13 and we had already arranged a big party but he didn't quite make it. As a family we are all incredibly proud of him. She noted that while her father was initially private about his wartime experiences, he began speaking more openly about them after turning 60.
Early War Experiences
Jim, who grew up in Islington, North London, was warned during his training as a six-pounder anti-tank gunner by a Western Desert campaign veteran that it was a suicide job. His mother Ellen was so distressed by learning her son would be fighting overseas at such a young age that she wrote to her MP seeking intervention.
He was transported across the Channel in an American Liberty ship with naval escort protection against active enemy U-Boats. After a two-day voyage, he landed at Mulberry Harbour in Arromanches, beginning his Normandy campaign.
Jim Justice is survived by his wife Joy, two daughters, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of courage, service, and quiet dedication that was honoured by a nation this week.
