21st Independent Parachute Company book

[airborne medic]

LEADING THE WAY TO ARNHEM: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE 21ST INDEPENDENT PARACHUTE COMPANY 1942-1946. BASED ON THE FRED WEATHERLEY FILES, OFFICIAL RECORDS AND PERSONAL ACCOUNTS OF MEMBERS OF THE COMPANY
BY Peter Gijbels & David Truesdale The 21st Independent Parachute Company was a unique unit in the British Army. General Roy Urquhart, 1st British Airborne Division, was heard to say: "Independent by name and independent by nature". The 21st comprised 186 men - at full strength - many handpicked by its founder Captain John Lander. Of these 186 men thirteen were German Jews who were particularly useful in battles such as the street fighting in the Oosterbeek perimeter as they could frequently hear the Germans speaking. The book tells about its formation and training, the actions in North Africa, Sicily, Italy and about the nine days fighting in Holland: the Battle for the Arnhem Bridge, 17-26 September 1944. From May until August 1945 the 21st operated in Norway followed by one year in Palestine as part of the 6th Airborne Division. Also included is information on the navigational aids used by the Company (Eureka/Rebecca), the 1st Independent Parachute Platoon and a resume of all 186 men at the time of Operation Market Garden. 210 pages 270 pictures and 6 maps. 294 x 225 mm hardback. The usual high quality Sigmond Publishing format.

I have two copies for sale signed by the authors at the normal price of £30 plus postage. Once these two are gone I have then unsigned copies at £30 plus postage. Please contact me if interested.

[handtohand22]

Nice to hear it is out. I supplied some photos and info for that book. Hope to see a copy soon.

My uncle Sgt Jim Gamble was the platoon sniper in the 21st and then a PTI/Unarmed Combat instructor.