I am wondering if anyone had any information on my granddad. I have been told that he was a: Sargent, last three 593 Flew the Hamilcar glider Took part in Op Mallard Crewed with S/Sgt Garnett I have a few old photos of him in uniform and his medals but not much more. Many thanks in advance
Sammy Having now got to my paperwork on 'Mallard' I can, first of all, give you your grandad's full Army No: 1471593 - this will make it easier to obtain his Service Record. Now to the operation itself. The Hamilcar was Chalk 237; it carried a Tetrarch Lt Tank and crew and was towed by a Halifax of 298 Sdn, piloted by Flt Sgt Griffiths. The combination took off from RAF Tarrant Rushton at 1940 hrs and was over the Landing Zone at 2119 hrs. The glider cast off, and landed, successfully. Your grandad didn't take part in Op 'Market', although S/Sgt Garnett did. However, the two did fly together post-'Market' on Oct 28/29 as part of Ex 'Essex'. Steve W.
Hi Sammy welcome to the forum. Please post photos of your Granddad as I am sure they would be appreciated Cheers Paul
I am the sister of Sammy and am now doing the research into my grandad. We believe that the service number is correct and will apply for his records. In the meantime what is Ex Essex?? Was this another operation?? We think he possibly damaged/broke his ankle prior to Market Garden, which is why he didnt fly but we are not sure if this. Do you have any other information or pictures to assist us. I have attached a photo for reference. Many thanks
I would suggest Exercise 'Essex' - it should be shown in his service records, the records will also show if he was hospitalised prior to Market Garden He is mentioned here under Op Mallard - Headquarters, The Glider Pilot Regiment But his service records are really the starting point TD
What does the info in the last box mean?? Is this a Royal Artillery Atteestations document document and can we find out when he enlisted?? This is all a bit of a minefield for me somall your help Is greatly received. Is there a way I can get or print a copy of this document. Many thanks
Jacqui, It is the date that Robert transferred from the Royal Artillery to the Army Air Corps (A.A.C.) on the 11th December 1943. He had previosly enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 1938 and served with a Field Regiment. All will be confirmed with a copy of his service records. Good luck with your research Guy
Thank you to all of you for your responses. I will apply for his records to see what else we can find out. If anyone has any other photos with him in I would love to see them. Thanks again.
Hi Jacqui, There is a fairly well known photo of the gliders at Tarrant Rushton lined up prior to to their take off on Operation Mallard. It can also be seen on the IWM site here. Unfortunately the zoom-in function doesn't reveal the chalk numbers that can be seen on their noses. The front two gliders are probably the Horsas or replacements of those that prematurely released on Operation Tonga the night before. Behind them are 30 Hamilcars, CN 221 to CN 250. If they took off in order it would be easy to spot which was your Grandfather's glider. However, if the Halifax tugs of 644 and 298 Squadrons were lined up separately on each side of the runway it would be a different arrangement? The following site may be of interest. Unfortunately there are few photos of C Squadron men. HAMILCAR The Glider Pilot Society could be of assistance as well https://www.gliderpilotregiment.org.uk/ Regards ....
This info is fantastic. Thank you. Is there any further info or pictures of S/Sgt Garnett who my grandad regularly flew with?? I’m hoping to find a picture of the two of them or get some info from S/Sgt Garnetts family. I believe the two of them became very close friends.
Jacqui, There is an account of S/Sgt Reg Garnett's flight and landing at Arnhem in the book "Glider Pilots at Arnhem" which references a 1993 article in the Eagle Magazine. That very article can be found on the Pardata site: Extended Biography for SSgt Reg Garnett | ParaData Regards ...
Jacqui, If you haven't already, it might be useful for you to contact this group - https://www.gliderpilotregiment.org.uk/ The secretary is a friend of mine, and there are many knowledgable people associated with it, many relatives of GPs. Andy
