Jim Almonds, a founding member of the SAS, earned the moniker Gentleman Jim for his manners. As he is brought to life in BBC drama SAS Rogue Heroes, his exploits feature prominently in the television series created by Steven Knight. Almonds’ service saw him earn the Military Medal, with bar, for his bravery and he twice escaped from Italian prisoner of war camps. But in contrast to the carnage he caused during conflict, Almonds hailed from the peaceful Lincolnshire village of Stixwould, near Woodhall Spa, and the Gentleman Jim nickname was coined by his fellow SAS originals.
After the war, Almonds left the military but the pull of overseas adventure proved too alluring. He went back into action, fighting bandits in the Horn of Africa and re-joined the SAS, this time battling Communist soldiers in jungles during the Malayan Emergency. After that, he went to Ghana where he built the boat he designed in his mind’s eye during his captivity. He sailed it back to the UK.
However, the march of time eventually forced him to adopt a quieter life. Almonds returned to Stixwould, where he spent his final days in the same house where he was born. He died, aged 91, in 2005 at Lincoln County Hospital.
Ms Almonds-Windmill reflects on his legacy. Recalling a conversation she had with David Stirling, the founder of the SAS, she says: “He told me, ‘your father set the standard’. David told me he thought it was a bit unfair on the others who came after him because he was that good – his fitness, endurance and his character.”
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