Some people how know me realise my specialised subject is the 1st Airborne Division but here is a 6th Airborne Division question...

Does anyone have a list of the men carried in the 6 Horsa gliders to the Ham and Jam bridges on the night of 5th/6th June 1944? Particularly interested to know if there were any RAMC attached. Believe there was a Captain J Vaughan from one (any thoughts as to which one) of the parachute battalions who volunteered to go. Also looking for a 14324225 Private R Daeche from 195 AFA who was alledged there....

Niall,

IIRC The complete list is contained the "The Devil's Own Luck" by Edwards.

Will get back to you in a couple of days when I go home.

All the best

Peter

Will also have check, but you will have to wait till I unpack! moving house today!

the 6th Airborne is my specialist subject...

Was Captain Vaughan a doctor by any chance? There was a doctor assigned to the op from a para btn, check 'Pegasus Bridge' by Ambrose. Again will have to unpack before I can check!

Will let ya know.

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"Watch that Fu*ker, he'll 'ave someones eye out!" King Harold at Hastings 1066.

Yes I believe Vaughan was a medical officer.

Still yet to unpack, but I know the doc with the op was not at all keen on the gliders, I seem to remember him saying that he wished he hadnt volunteered and parachuted in as the gliders scared him witless. I also believe he was injured on landing, knocked-out for some time, and the concussion caused him to wander towards the German positions several times. Bear in mind I have no books at hand so this from memory!

You may be interested in a little piece that I heard over the D-Day ceremonies...

A glider pilot, was getting ready for the off when a Padre came to get aboard. The pilot noticed the Padre was wearing his dog collar and a large revolver.
The pilot asked him why he was carrying a gun as he didnt think padres did.
The padre pointed to his dog collar and said, "this is for those that believe," he then pointed at the pistol and said, "this is for those that dont..."

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"Watch that Fu*ker, he'll 'ave someones eye out!" King Harold at Hastings 1066.

Niall,

Typical, went through my stuff last night, forgot to bring my books to work.

Captain Vaughan was present at Pegasus Bridge, as an attached RAMC officer from 224th Parachute Field Ambulance (3rd Parachute Brigade). Ambrose's "Pegasus Bridge" also elaborates extensively on his exploits of 6th June.

I found a quote by Private R Daeche in Carl Shiletto's book on PB. It appears that he was a member of 195th Airlanding Field Ambulance and flew in with 6th Airlanding Brigade (which were to reinforce the Orne Bridges). He refers to "landing zones" and "crossing the Orne bridges".

He is not named in Dennis Edwards' Pegasus Bridge list (which appears to be complete and comprehensive).

Dennis states that the RAMC contingent comprised one officer (Vaughan) and 3 ors (privates). Daeche's name is not among them.

Hope this helps.

Peter

According to Stephen E. Ambrose in "Pegasus Bridge" Dr John Vaughn was indded a doctor attached to the Ox and Bucks for Pegasus. A paratrooper on the Divisional medical staff, he volunteered to go on the mission. Hope this helps

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Ain't no rocket scientists in the firehall

I have just seen this entry and this forum. My uncle is Raymond Daeche who indeed does tell of landing in a glider in the early hours of D Day. He was attached to the field ambulance and duties included clearing the casualties from the barbed wire on the beaches at low tide. He does not speak too much of these times but is still very proud ( as we are of him). he recently represented the RBL at services in Normandy.

We all need to wish the old soldier luck as this week he enters Harlow hospital for heart surgery.

I would be happy to assist as much as I can with any research being conducted relating to this thread.

All the best 'boy'

Carl