S.Sgt Tom Wilson - GPR

A week or so before we attended the War & Peace Show (pics and report to follow) I was contacted by Paul McInnes regarding his Grandfather S.Sgt Tom Wilson, veteran of Operation Ladbroke (Chalk No.29 Waco/Hadrian) and Operation Market Garden (Chalk No.489 Waco/Hadrian). Interestingly, S.Sgt Wilson flew as part of 'X' Flight into Nijmegen as part of Browings HQ, taking in members of the USAF Forward Air Signals unit!

S.Sgt Wilson flew from Manston to LZ 'N' near Groesbeek, with Sgt Nicholson as his 2nd pilot.

Paul is fortunate enough to be the owner of some of Tom's GPR memorabilia, including his Pilot's log book and 1st Pilot wings amongst other items (see photo's below).

Paul believes his Grandfather served with the KOSB's before joining the GPR and he unfortunately contracted Malaria whilst serving in North Africa. If anyone has more information regarding either S.Sgt Wilson, Sgt Nicholson or indeed the USAF FAS please don't hesitate to comment on this post or contact myself directly.

Many thanks to Paul for allowing us to post his Grandfathers' story here and also to Steve Wright for providing Paul with invaluable information regarding chalk numbers etc.

A photograph of Tom Wilson in his later years. Courtesy Paul McInnes 2012.

S.Sgt Tom Wilsons Waco/Hadrian glider after Operation Ladbroke, July 1943. Courtesy Paul McInnes 2012.

Some of Paul's GPR memorabilia relating to his Grandfather. Courtesy Paul McInnes 2012.

A page from S.Sgt Wilson's Pilot Log Book. Courtesy Paul McInnes 2012.

Scotland's History: Life As A Glider Pilot in WW2

I've just been having a quick 'Google' before home time and came across this little gem! Scotsman Walter Naismith talks about his experiences in the Glider Pilot Regiment. 

A wonderful interview, with a very eloquent gentleman who's memory is crystal clear! As a bonus, two download options are also included. Enjoy.

Link: Scotland's History: GPR

War & Peace Show - 2012

Chalk are getting ready to attend the annual War & Peace Show again this year. As usual we will be joining forces with Just Ordinary Men, VERA and Spirit of Britain among others and we'll be located in the woods (see map below) AND the main battle arena where we'll be part of a major British Vs German battle scenario the likes of which have not been seen before at War & Peace. This promises to be one event to remember so why not pay us a visit? See you all there! Matt

Colour Footage of Gliders

Another Youtube find this time by a member of WW2Talk.com (you know who you are). Some wonderful rare clips here and I understand that they are available in better quality on the DVD 'Victory in Europe'. Enjoy.

Link: Colour Glider Footage

S.Sgt James Albert Partington GPR

Via the excellent Facebook page for the Glider Pilot Regiment I came across these photographs of  S.Sgt Partington formerly of 'H' and 'N' Squadron's of GPR.


Link: The Glider Pilot Regiment - Facebook

His son, Brian Partington posted the following on the FB page:

"Now I am confused! My brother tells me that the flight log book up to 1945 shows he was with flight 27 of 'H' Squadron of the Glider Pilot Regiment. But, in September 1946 he was with 'N' Squadron. I also know he was involved with the repatriation of German POW's after the war. Any help would be appreciated"

Of interest here is his flying helmet with earphones but no Oxygen Mask, only the microphone element.

Thanks to Brian Partington for allowing us to show these photos and information.

A Couple More Pics From Duxford

So, its only a week later... and I've finally managed to add a couple more photos of our display (plus one of the B17, taken early on Sunday morning, I couldn't resist).

Along with the photos is a copy of our thank you letter from the Staff and Trustees of the Airborne Assault Museum, we're as proud of this letter as we are to have taken part in such a worthwhile weekend, and we are indeed looking forward to next year!

Cheers. Matt.

The GPR and PPA - Weblink and Story

Another interesting website I came across whilst 'Googling' one lunchtime is that of Friends of Popski's Private Army. This is an excellent site with History of PPA, News, Reference and much more, including the intriguing story of Lt. John Mockridge who alongside a number of GP colleagues was incorporated into PPA with a view to being used in future glider operations! 

Link: Lt. John Mockridge GPR/PPA

It never ceases to amaze me at just how much information there is out there on the Glider Pilot Regiment, all you have to do is snoop around a bit and you're sure to find something.

I contacted foPPA to ask if I could add a link to their site (I always ask permission first), and was instantly given the go ahead by their secretary Roy Paterson. Roy also requests any information any of you might have on the other 12 members of the GPR who were attached to PPA with John Mockridge at this time? If anybody can help please contact me in the first instance and I'll let Roy know.

Secondly Roy also mentioned his interest in 1st Airborne Divisions landing ground near Kairouan in Tunisia (see link below), again if anyone can forward further information please do so.

Link: 1st Airborne Div in Tunisa

And finally, Roy would also like to know more about the move from Bizerta to Taranto on USS Boise on 9/10 September 1943, particularly photographs if anyone has any?

Please visit the foPPA website links above, its well worth it, very interesting stuff. It would also be great to help out a fellow enthusiast so let's see what we can do.