Re: Leading the Way to Arnhem
Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin Bull
21st Independent Parachute Company were an elite unit, basically the 'Pathfinders' for the 1st British Airborne Division - so really, they were an 'elite of the elite'.
They were quite literally 'first in', landing in advance of the main force in order to secure the correct drop zones with clear marking, setting up radio beacons, etc. Once out of the aircraft, they were totally alone many miles behind enemy lines and had to be completely self-reliant : 'Independent'.
The Company was made up of men from many other units and interestingly, at Arnhem included a number of German Jews who had escaped the Nazi regime.
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Cant wait to get my copy already have first in by ron kent,and a booklet called the first of many by frank spittle.i had the great honour back last year of meeting one of these very noble soldiers he was a sergeant who had served in n africa sicily normandy and arnhem! which means he served in not only 21 indp coy but also 22 indp coy i spent some 30mins talking to him i could of listened to him all day, he told me funny stories and very sad stories but most of all he showed great pride and bearing. i shook his hand when we finised talking and walked away very very humbled.
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WHEN YOU GO HOME, TELL THEM OF US AND SAY, FOR YOUR TOMORROW,WE GAVE OUR TODAY. Epitaph on the Kohima memorial .
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