The passing of Jimmy Sinclair

Former member of Lochgelly Band, Jimmy Sinclair passed away peacefully at home on 27th May at the grand age of 107. The funeral service will be held at Kirkcaldy Crematorium on Friday (5th June), but due to the current COVID-19 situation, it will be a private family occasion.

Jimmy played with the band when it was twice the winner of the Scottish brass band championships in 1955 and 1958.

He was the last surviving Desert Rat who fought against Field Marshal Rommel in the North African campaign during the Second World War. He served as a gunner with the elite Chestnut Troop, 1st Regiment Horse Artillery, of the 7th Armoured Division. He received numerous medals for his service during the war, later serving for two years with the Allied Control Commission in Berlin before returning to Scotland to work as a slater.

Jimmy moved back to Germany in 1981 following the passing of his wife where became a personal acquaintance of Rommel’s son, Manfred, who was a distinguished statesman in Germany and a former Lord Mayor of Stuttgart. He returned to Kirkcaldy at the tender age of 92.

Among other high-profile friends of his was the Duchess of Cornwall, who was known to send him birthday cards and letters.

Jimmy will be sorely missed by so many people.