For 74 years, Albert Willingham has remained one of the unsung heroes of Arnhem. In my opinion, the actions bringing about his death on 21^st September 1944, should have brought him recognition of the highest order – yet he received no award of any kind.

I first became aware of him when researching my father’s time at Arnhem (actually, of course, Wolfheze and Oosterbeek). My Dad, Pte. Alex Wilson was part of Chalk number 673, which carried a stick 18 men. Of those 18, a staggering proportion, one third or 6 men, were killed or died of their wounds! It is no wonder my Dad never spoke of those times.

Those on Chalk 673 who didn’t make it were; Col. Ken Smyth (the battalion’s CO), Capt. Myles Henry (the intelligence officer), Pte. Albert Willingham, L/C Walter Secret, Pte. Robby Hill and Sgt. Austin Francis.

Albert was, I’m told, the Colonel’s ‘minder’ and he certainly stuck close by his side until the bitter end. That end came in the cellar of 2 Annastraat. In that grim and bloody place was the badly wounded CO and Major Peter Warr. It was the last HQ of the devastated battalion. But also sheltering there were some 20 Dutch civilians, including Mrs Bertje Voskuil and her 8-year-old son, Henri. As German infantry won ground and took the house, a stick grenade was thrown down the cellar steps. Immediately Pte. Willingham jumped between Bertje and young Henri, protecting them from the inevitable blast – and lost his life in the process.

Nearly 75 years later, Dilip Sarkar MBE, the prolific author, historian and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, is about to ensure that Albert Willingham gets the recognition he deserves. Firstly, Albert is one of the forgotten heroes in Dilip’s new book ‘Arnhem 1944: The Human Tragedy of the Bridge Too Far’. Secondly, Dilip, who has Albert’s family’s full cooperation and support, has liaised with the Parachute Regiment and initiated a special commemoration for Albert in Oosterbeek next year. I think that I speak for all the Airborne community and the relatives of ‘that manner of men’ that fought at Arnhem, when I say that we wish Dilip every success in this endeavour.

I can’t wait to read Dilip’s book and have pre-ordered a copy. I urge all of our ‘Friends of The Tenth’ to do the same.

You can pre-order by clicking on this link:

https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Arnhem-1944-Hardback/p/15210

Author: Alec Wilson

During a recent assembly in Somerby Primary School, the children were thrilled to receive their ‘Friends of The Tenth’ and ‘Myrtle’ T shirts from Major Sean ‘Pinkie’ Philips of the Parachute Regiment. Along with Sean were Alan Staff and Jack Gilbert, both veterans of the Parachute Regiment.

The story of The 10th Battalion The Parachute Regiment’s time in Somerby during 1944 is well known to the children. They especially love the story of Myrtle the Parachick who is featured on the back of the T shirt.

Myrtle was the red chicken, taught to fly by Lt. Pat Glover. Pat took Myrtle in the aircraft and they dropped together into the famous Battle of Arnhem. Myrtle even has a role in the film, ‘The Bridge Too Far’.

The shirts have been donated by charity, Friends of The Tenth. Amanda Howe, one of the Somerby representatives of the charity, together with teacher, Sarah Moulds are helping lead an initiative to form a lasting relationship between Somerby school and the Marienborn School in Oosterbeek, Holland.

Oosterbeek was the village where the 10th Battalion held its famous ‘last stand’ in September 1944. From the 582 who left Somerby only just over 30 men were left to fight.

Thanks to the good offices of more ex-paras, in particular, his son, Peter, we have been put in touch with Derek Chambers. Derek is a renowned artist who has already undertaken commissions for the Parachute Regiment. We are delighted and amazed that Derek has offered to paint ‘The Last Stand of The Fighting Tenth’ and that he will donate this original, hugely important piece of art to our fund. We believe that the auction of this painting will attract national, even world-wide interest and needless to say a very significant winning bid. Start saving! I’m sure this is something we would all like to own. However, do not despair if you can’t afford the original, we will also be offering fine art limited and numbered editions.

The above image is an example of Derek Chamber’s art, this is NOT the proposed ‘Last Stand of The Fighting Tenth’  more on his website: http://derekchambers.org.uk/

RECOLLECTIONS FROM LOCAL PEOPLE

We have been contacted by a small number of very special people who were around Somerby in 1944 and remember the paras. Not only have they donated but also left some heart-warming (and humorous) recollections of those momentous times.

Marjorie Howlett recalled playing the organ in the local churches and being delighted when she was transported in Padre Raymond Bowers’ jeep. She remembers 10^th Battalion’s ‘Monty’ Burton who lived next door to her in Burrough on the Hill.

Apparently, Monty would wrap a towel around his head like a turban and leap onto the horse, called ‘Blossom’, in the next field; galloping around and making Marjorie howl with laughter.

She goes on to tell of the tales of Burrough Court, the ‘goings-on’ of the aristocracy and the visits of the Prince of Wales and Mrs. Wallis Simpson, the Prince being a regular customer at Twyford Post Office!

It is sobering to note that Corporal Arthur ‘Monty’ Burton was part of the ‘last stand’ mentioned later in this article and although he survived, his left leg was amputated. The Reverend Captain Bowers, despite damaging his ankle on the Drop Zone, also survived and returned to Somerby in later years, on more than one occasion, to conduct the annual commemoration service.

We have received this very interesting and touching contribution from Michael Lee who lives in Wansford (near Peterborough). Michael is the only person we know of, who witnessed parachute drop exercises in the area in 1944.