ADDINGHAM pub regulars have paid tribute to the courage shown by a war hero affectionately known as Heapy.

John Marsland Heap, former landlord of The Fleece, died 20 years ago but two of his friends have made sure he won't be forgotten.

Ernest Gardner and David Harrison have put together the story of Heapy's heroics during the 1939-45 war.

Engineer Heap received the Lloyd's War Medal for bravery at sea. The medal is regarded as the Victoria Cross of the Merchant Navy and is only awarded for acts of outstanding bravery.

In the early hours of April 18 1943, 500 miles due east of Port Elizabeth in the Indian Ocean, the motor tanker The Corbis was torpedoed three times and its high octane cargo was set alight.

Many men perished in the blazing sea but engineer Heap was one of the crew who managed to clamber into a lifeboat.

During the next 12 days before rescue, the boat drifted but then capsized in heavy seas. Several members of the crew perished.

Four times during 24 hours the boat overturned and each time more crew members were lost.

Engineer Heap's role in preventing more deaths is recognised in the document which accompanied his medal.

Visitors to the Fleece can glance at the wall and read 'In spite of his weak condition, after spending 11 days in the open boat in heavy seas and bad weather, he displayed conspicuous bravery when the boat capsized by swimming out six times to rescue other crew members.'

When Mr Heap and the few remaining survivors were finally rescued, it was in the nick of time. The only rations left in the boat were a few Horlicks tablets, some beef extract and a little water.

Mr Gardner said: "You can read about his bravery but I think it is really an understatement to say the least. You can't really imagine what it must have been like. In the water with flames coming towards you and nothing you can do about it."

Mr Harrison, another former landlord of the Fleece, remembers Heapy with affection and particularly his determination to 'do his bit' for the war effort.

While Heapy's story can be studied on the wall, there is another reason why he is unlikely to be forgotten - dominoes.

Every year, the pub's domino enthusiasts battle for the biggest prize in the village - The Heapy Cup.

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