Jimmy Sale joined 23rd (London Armoured Car Company (Sharpshooters) in 1933. By September 1939, when the company had grown to two full armoured regiments, Jimmy was SQMS of "A" Squadron, 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).
Photography was Jimmy's hobby; his father was a professional photographer. Cameras were forbidden in the battle area, but the Commanding Officer, Lt Colonel King Jago, was prescient and independent enough to appoint Jimmy official photographer to the Regiment. In theory the camera was for recording of field burials but Jimmy's enthusiasm for taking pictures of regimental life and active service knew few bounds: he was known for staying behind for that extra twenty seconds to snap a terrifying scene while his comrades were seeking cover. His photographs are one of the most complete records of a British armoured regiment during World War Two and are frequently to be seen in books and exhibitions.