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I was called to service in 1942, after initial training I was immediately posted to 53rd division anti-tank regiment. Over the following months the unit changed its role numerous times. From an anti-tank regiment to a Field regiment, which handled 25lb artillery guns. The regiment was then restructured into an artillery unit which dealt with self propelled guns. Having been dispatched for training within this division, to become a signaller, driver and number one gunner; we arrived back to camp to discover that once again the units role had changed and we became the 53rd Air-landing regiment, Royal Artillery (RA) which was part of the 6th Airborne division. After training as a glider I finally applied for training as a parachutist. I trained at Ardwick Hall and then Ringway (which is now Manchester airport) with particular emphasis on signalling and wireless operating. This led me to my station during the subsequent episode.

By the time my training had been completed, the 53rd Air-landing regiment was approaching its position for the invasion of mainland France. I rejoined the unit just two weeks before the landing, which took place on the 6th June (D-day). I was a member of a section called the Forward Observation Observers (FOO), and I was attached to the 8th parachute battalion, as a signaller. My duty as an FOO was to support the battalion with artillery fire when required. We arrived in position, facing the Germans. Over the successive days our air position was static, and then finally we were given our instructions. Our battalion was to destroy the Breville factory, which was one of two gun emplacements belonging to the Germans. Fierce battle commenced between ourselves and the enemy, backup was needed. The commanding officer of the 8th battalion sent orders requesting a barrage of support, in order to forestall any counter attack. As we waited for support tragically both the CO of the 8th battalion and my own commanding officer, Captain Ward, were killed. The fighting continued and finally the support arrived, however, despite clear instructions fire was directed towards the allies. A mistake had been made at the British artillery emplacement and the incorrect coordinates were being used. Our own shells were falling among us Parachutists and causing numerous casualties. It was clear we were being attacked from both sides. As panic ensued, I without hesitation made my way towards my late commanding officer. I grasped Captain Ward and without delay ordered the guns to seize fire, therefore avoiding further casualties and fatalities. The correct coordinates were given and the Breville factory was taken. For my action during this affair I was mentioned in dispatches by the Commanding officer of the 8th Battalion.

Following the event detailed above, my unit assisted in the capture of the second gun emplacement of Merville. After this we joined the rest of the division with the objective of capturing Caen. Subsequent to a period of intensive engagement and street fighting on July 17/18th 1944 Caen was finally taken. After a short period of stabilisation the position of the 6th airborne division was withdrawn and returned to England. While in England a period of training, and replacement of equipment and personnel ensued. Then on the 24th of December, I embarked on a mission from Tilbury to Ostend in order to assist the Americans in the Ardennes, where I took part in the famous ‘battle of the bulge’. After this I was once again returned to England in order to prepare for the Rhine crossing of March 1945. We were sent back to England following the concluding meeting with the Russians Wismer on the Baltic coast. Finally we prepared for the tour of duty in Palestine, here I left the army in 1947 in order to pursue a new career and family life.

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