THE woman who helped mastermind transportation issues at Europe’s largest military airbase at Burtonwood, Warrington and became the first British citizen to recieve America’s highest civilian honour has died aged 87.
Burtonwood Association stalwart Jean Haslam, who for many years was secretary of the organisation set up to keep alive the memory of the base, was in charge of transportation of live ammunition at the American airbase.
During her career, Jean, a retired transport management specialist who worked on the former US Army airbase in the town – and was voted the best Transport Management Specialist in the United States Army worldwide.
Jean, who arrived in Warrington in 1942, worked at Ryland Brothers for 15 years as Assistant Traffic Manager during which time she won a competition for writing about transport in the wire industry, which was later published in America. She also became the first woman to be awarded a Fellowship by the Chartered Institute of Transport.
She later went on to spend 15 years as a transport management specialist at the former Burtonwood airbase and was responsible for five depots in the UK. Her duties involved interpreting transport law, which included the transportation of live ammunition.
Due to her skills and knowledge she was flown out to Los Angeles to collect her award for the best Transport Management Specialist in the US Army.
She was also awarded the Commander’s Medal – the highest award for a civilian – the first woman and British citizen to receive the award.
During the next 10 years she ran conferences in the UK and Switzerland on light railway systems.
In her retirement she was involved in numerous community initiatives and played a leading role in the Older Peoples Forum, the Burtonwood Association and the University of the Third Age.
She suffered a stroke 18 months ago and never really recovered. Her funeral takes place at Walton Crematorium this Friday at 1pm.
Flying the flag – Jean pictured at the former airbase where she co-ordinated transport issues.
Farewell to airbase stalwart
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
