Eric and Herbert Hinde, AFS

Eric Stanley (Stiffy) with his dad Stanley Herbert Hinde also known as Stiffy, was Captain of Lymm Volunteer Auxiliary Fire Brigade.  Eric was classed as a boy volunteer and resigned in 1941 where he later joined the Royal Navy and served on HMS Belfast.

He was on the staff of Vice Admiral Burnett. On the 24th and 25th of December 1943, HMS Belfast led the Battle of North Cape which resulted in the sinking of the German Battleship Scharnhorst. The Admiral gave his damaged flag to Eric and where he intended present it to the Belfast Trust.  Sadly, Eric died before the meeting - so his son Stephen donated it to honour his wishes. Unfortunately the Trust has since lost this,  together with other donations.