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Jim Bird, known as Dickie, died peacefully on November 23, aged 90. Born in Wales, Jim moved to Ryedale as a young boy with his parents, brothers Stuart and Joe, along with sister Rose. The family lived at Swinton Grange where his dad was a stockman. After leaving school Jim completed an engineering apprenticeship, before he was called up for National Service. Based at RAF Scampston in Lincolnshire, home of the Dambuster Squadron, Jim, who played a variety of instruments, including the euphonium, double bass and tenor horn, joined the camp band during basic training before completing a successful audition to fill a vacancy in the Bomber Command line-up.