In February 2024 a special remembrance ceremony was held at le Forest-Landerneau, near Brest to commemorate Sgt James Sheridan with the family at the anniversary of his death in 1941. The ceremony was attended By French Veterans (UNC ) Souvenir Français, The Royal British Legion and many local people. Sgt Sheridan’s nephew, whom we had managed to trace, read out a eulogy written by Jacks brother before he himself passed away.
Sgt Sheridan known as Jack was the eldest of seven brothers from Crayford in Kent. All the Sheridan brothers served in the UK Armed forces. His younger brother Raymond took part in D. Day and the battle for Normandy. His brother George served in North Africa and was awarded the Military Medal (MM)
Jack was a keen sportsman playing cricket, as a left handed bowler, and football for his local Kent team Selina Athletic including in France in the 1930s. As an avid Boy Scout Jack was sent to attend the 1933 World Scout jamboree in Budapest. As a mark of respect members of the local French youth football team attended the commemoration
At the outbreak of war, Jack volunteered for the RAF and was trained as a Wireless Officer, Air Gunner. On 15 February 1941 while Jack was serving with 217 RAF squadron based at RAF St Eval he was called at short notice to replace the rear gunner on Bristol Beaufort No L9807, for a three aircraft attack on the German heavy Cruiser Admiral Hipper in Brest Harbour. He had not flown with the crew before, the pilot could not even recall his name in later debriefings.
German fighters engaged the three Beauforts as they approached heavily defended Brest. In the ensuing dogfight Jack was fatally wounded. As the Beauforts sought to evade the fighters and complete their mission L9807 overflew the harbour and turned up the Élorn estuary towards Landerneau, a chance shot from the pursuing ME 109 provoked an explosion and the crew were blown clear of the aircraft. The three others managed to open their parachutes, but it was already too late for Jack. His body was found in the woods overlooking the Élorn.
Jack was buried with full military honours in la Forest-Landerneau village cemetery. Ignoring strict German military instructions a large number of local people turned out to throw flowers on the coffin and the local priest gave the final benediction. After the war the village named a local street after him. A local woman, Mme Guézenec, whose family were heavily involved in the resistance reached out to his family to tell them what had happened and that his grave was well looked after. Her younger sister was present at the commemoration and was presented with a Royal British Legion broach as a small token of thanks.
It was a rare privilege to have been involved in the research for this event to honour a member of a remarkable family whose service to the cause of freedom struck many of those who attended.
brittanyremembers.com 