It was 1945 and 19-year-old James Peach found himself in Portsmouth, England. This was a long way from his home in Flat Island, Newfoundland.

He had just finished working for three years at The Salvation Army Anchorage Home where his aunt, Brigadier Carrie Peach, was in charge. He enjoyed helping out with chores in such a happy comfortable setting.

However, duty called and Jim joined the Royal Navy Reserve Tug Services, attached to the Royal Navy. In due course, he became part of a crew of 35 other capable seamen, and their work included going out to sea to tow in wartime ships, which had been badly damaged by torpedo fire.

At one point, his ship along with about 30 other carriers, was involved in towing huge concrete blocks across the English Channel to Normandy France. Word had been received of a possible invasion by enemy troops, and so construction began for additional space at the docks for the supply ships to unload their cargo.

Arriving back in England from this venture, he was sent to Scotland to wait for orders to join another ship. On a cool autumn day, and perhaps thinking of home, Jim decided to go ashore. By chance he met another seaman from Placentia, Newfoundland, just embarking from a nearby ship. Jim was glad he had borrowed a heavy gray coat, for the wind was keen as he walked along the pier.

All of a sudden, he heard a noise. Someone was calling to him. As he turned, he noticed some young boys, a little too near the edge of the waters. Thinking that was the reason for the commotion, Jim called to the boys to move away. Then he walked nearer to see for himself. To his alarm, a little boy was fighting for his life in the chilly waters. With no thought for his own safety, he jumped in, clothes and all, including the gray coat. Even with this heavy water-soaked weight pulling him down, Jim managed to grab the frightened boy and headed back to the pier.

By this time the boy's father had been alerted. He anxiously knelt down and, despite the great distance, managed to pull his son upward with his leather belt. In the excitement everyone left, leaving Jim in the water with no way up. Finally, after swimming to a nearby barge, a couple of men pulled him from the water. He joined the thankful family for supper and was able to spend time with the three-year-old, James Martin McGourgan, who was content to be home safe again.

Jim put this adventure in the back of his mind until one day he received a call from his Naval Commander. It was an invitation to a special meeting at the Drill Hall. Sitting among the dignitaries and special guests, and a little embarrassed by all the attention, Jim was requested to share his heroic story, much to the delight and admiration of his fellow seamen.

A couple of months passed by and, quite unexpectedly, Jim received a certificate of appreciation from 'The Royal Humane Society', commending 'Ordinary Seaman James Peach, RNRTS' for his brave action. The certificate still has a prominent place at Jim's home in Foxtrap.

Just a few years ago, through a work connection with an offshore drilling company, Jim's son met a fellow worker from Scotland. In conversation one day, he happened to talk about his Dad and the story of saving a boy's life. Through computer technology and hours of research, the rescued boy was located. Before long, Jim received a letter from the other Jim and they later talked on the phone. Jim Peach was very surprised to learn that the little three-year-old boy had also received a copy of the presentation from the Humane Society.

Jim was touched by his words. Young Jim said, 'I often looked at that certificate, would point to it and say, 'that's Jimmy Peach''. And no doubt, many times, he recalled that fateful day in 1945.

Following the war, Jim returned to Newfoundland, married and settled down to a life of fishing in his home town. However, through the re-settlement program, he sold his home and fishing gear and with his wife Mary and their young family made their home in Conception Bay South. He has been here now for almost 40 years.

Jim recently celebrated his 80th birthday. He's in good health, attends The Salvation Army Conception Bay South church regularly and always has a pleasant smile for all.

Reprinted with permission from The Signal, The Salvation Army Conception Bay South Corps