Canadian paratrooper has been identified in an Ringway photograph by a relative. He is second from the right CSM. Leonard Burns Hall, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. He was captured after D-Day being dropped on the eastern side of the River Dives. He passed out of Ringway on the 9th September 1942 and the attached photograph was taken three days later on the 12th September 1942. Group of Canadian senior non-commissioned officers who have just graduated from their British parachute course at No.1 Parachute Training School, Ringway, England, and are now at a Non-Effective Transit Depot (N.E.T.D.). 1967-052 NPC I wanted to attach this to a Ringway thread but couldn't find a definitive one.
Have you ever seen a course photo from Ringway? Surely each course that went through had a group photo at the end. Never seen one!
I have only seen Canadian course photographs, they might be deep in TNA or Airborne Assault archives. Have not seen a British Ringway course photograph.
Other photographs taken on the 12th September 1944 Candidates from the Canadian Army Overseas who completed their British parachute training at No. 1 Parachute Training School, Royal Air Force (R.A.F), at Ringway in anticipation of service with the First Special Service Force at a Non-Effective Transit Depot in England, 1942 Major G.F.P. Bradbrooke of The Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.) after completing his British parachute course at the Royal Air Force Parachute Training School, Ringway, England, 12 September 1942 Lieutenant J.P. Poupore, who qualified as a paratrooper at No.1 Parachute Training School, Royal Air Force (R.A.F.), in anticipation of serving with the First Special Service Force, Ringway, England, 12 September 1942 Sergeants D.R. Christianson and W. Irvine, candidates who have completed training at No.1 Parachute Training School, Royal Air Force (R.A.F.), in anticipation of serving with the First Special Service Force. Ringway, England, 12 September 1942 Major G.F.P. Bradbrooke (left) of The Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.), and Captain Jeff Nicklin of The Royal Winnipeg Rifles after their British parachute course at the Royal Air Force Parachute Training School, Ringway, England, 12 September 1942.
An historical overview chapter in the book "Tip of the Spear" by Bernd Horn & Michel Wyczynski mentions in passing the early 1942 PTS Ringway course undertaken by Canadians in the UK. "The Minister’s concurrence was quickly received and on 1 July 1942, the War Cabinet Committee approved the formation of a parachute battalion. Interestingly, the Committee specified that the purpose of this unit was home defence, specifically for the recapture of aerodromes or reinforcement of remote localities. Ironically, the inconsistency with the earlier estimates, as well as the changing tide of the war, was lost or seemingly ignored. Nonetheless, action to start-up the unit was quickly undertaken. That summer, eighty-five selected officers and non-commissioned officers (NCOs) serving overseas were sent to the Parachute Training School, Royal Air Force Station Ringway, in Cheshire, England. Similarly, in Canada, a group of twenty-seven intrepid volunteers under the command of Major H.D. Proctor deployed to Fort Benning, Georgia, in mid-August to commence American parachute training. In sum, these individuals became the first element of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion. They would also form the initial training cadre to instruct the others." Attached is the nominal roll of Canadians who attended the September 1942 Ringway course. This was found on author Ken Joyce's former site. He also had other photos of men who passed the course. A few men identified by him in the same photo with CSM Leonard Burns Hall (post #1): "From left to right, A/Sgt. L.J. Stanlake RCE, unknown, unknown, Sgt. H.R. Nicolson wearing the early 2nd Division formation patches of the Royal Highlanders of Canada, Sgt. L. B. Hall 7th Recce Regt. (17th D.Y.R.C.H.) and C.S.M. W.J. Clark of the Royal Canadian Regt" The 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion arrived in the UK July 28th,1943 and took up residence at Carter Barracks at Bulford Camp, Wiltshire. There are many photos of them taken at RAF Ringway during later courses in 1943/44. Regards ...
That's excellent Cee. Thought I recognised Clark on the far right. The creation of the Canadian parachute battalion is probably the only unit created for defense rather than assault before and during the war.
Signed up in Montreal West when he heard Churchill's speech and the bagpipes. Said he had goose bumps and the hair stood up on his body. Enlisted with the 7th Reconnaissance Regiment (17th Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars). Read a call for a new regiment that required men with all seasons experience, hiking, fitness, skiing. He thought he was signing up for the ski troops.
My father, Leonard Burns Hall also completed training in Fort Benning, Georgia in the second group following the tragic accident that killed Major H.D. Proctor during his first qualifying jump in front of the following aircraft. https://www.cfc.forces.gc.ca/259/290/294/286/brodie.pdf