Episode 4: Jim Hooper

A close-up of blind veteran Jim, wearing a maroon beret with a suit and tie

About Jim

Jim joined the Territorial Army in 1939 before the war, and was also a War Office despatch rider before joining the Airborne Division. In this interview Jim talks about his wartime experiences, in particular at Arnhem.

Jim joined Blind Veterans UK in 2013 having lost his sight as a result of macular degeneration and cataracts.

This interview was conducted in 2019 by our friends at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for their Voices of Liberation: Preserving our memories of the Second World War podcast and is included in Unseen Stories with their permission. Sadly, he died in 2021.

Blind veteran Jim smiling as he stands in front of a framed piece of artwork showing the Horsa Gilders landing at Arnhem
Jim in his study
A black and white close-up of a young blind veteran Jim during the war
Blind veteran Jim in 1944
Blind veteran Jim holding a black and white photograph of himself during his days in service
Blind veteran Jim holding a photograph of his younger self

Episodes

Unseen Stories podcast

Unseen Stories is our podcast about personal experiences of the military, loss of sight and adjustment to life.

Four blind veterans accompanied by two nurses going for a walk at Church Stretton during World War II

Episode 1: Barbara Bell

Barbara speaks to us about her early life, her time in the war and how she lost her sight.

An archive photograph of a young blind veteran Barbara sitting on an armchair and sewing

Episode 2: Fred Bentley

Fred talks about his wartime experiences, his career after service, his late wife and his time with our charity.

Blind veteran Fred, left, wearing a poppy at a Remembrance event

Episode 3: Billy Baxter

Billy tells of the devastation of losing his sight, and working for Blind Veterans UK at our Llandudno Centre.

A close-up of blind veteran Billy, looking across the room

Episode 5: Ron Cross

Ron opens up about his time serving during the D-Day landings and remembers those who were lost in the war.

A photo of Ron Cross a blind veteran

Episode 6: Elizabeth Diacon

Elizabeth tells us about her wartime experiences, her time working at Bletchley Park and her life after the war.

Blind veteran Elizabeth smiling