Hi JJS, As a Sgt Jim would have been the "second pilot" of the glider. The "first pilot" was Staff Sergeant P. Waring. According to the book "Glider Pilots at Arnhem" S.Sgt Waring was evacuated to Nijmegen with the remnants of the Division after the withdrawal from Oosterbeek. I mention this because in your first post you say that your Mother seemed to think that Jim's glider was shot down. If this is indeed the case then it would appear that both Jim and S.Sgt Waring survived this incident as Jim's date of death is given as 22nd September! I wonder if S.Sgt Waring is still alive today? Have you tried to contact the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop? GPRegt on this forum may be able to help with more information. All the best and good luck............. PS If you haven't already got a copy of the book "Glider Pilots at Arnhem" then I would strongly advise you to get a copy .
Not only had they the most casualties, they also went all over the place, as some stayed with their "load" so sometimes it is very difficult to trace the steps of some of the GP guys, I think with Jim it is also the case, or else some info would have turned up trough out the years.
Hi, Just noticed the photograph of Panel 8 Groesbeek Memorial. I noticed the blank space after Sgt Tomlinson name. A name has been removed (I thought the CWGC didn't remove names !) Checking the Glider Pilot Regt Roll of Honour Sgt N.K WHITEHOUSE KIA 19.9.44 was listed on Groesbeek Mem !. Now listed St Michielsgestel Roman Catholic and Protestant Cem. This must have taken place in the last fifteen years ? Mark
I bet Anthony Cotterell is also still on it, they are very bad with removing these names, costs money
Paul Pariso Thank you for that information. I am in the throws of buying that book at the moment, it seems to be highly recommended and a must have. I haven't contacted the Museum yet as I am just starting out on my research. It would be amazing if it were possible to hear from Staff Sergeant Waring, but I wouldn't want to go raking over anything he would rather forget. Thanks again for you help and good wishes. Regards, JJS
Hello JJS, I feel almost certain that Steve Wright, GPRegt, may be able to supply you with further information. Paul's suggestion about contacting the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop is a sound one. I've spent many a happy hour or so in the Archive Department which is open to the public via an appointment on a Wednesday. Well worth arranging a visit. Some of those in attendance on a Wednesday, who give their time freely, are Veterans of the Glider Pilot Regiment. David Brook, also a Veteran, is the editor of the GPRA magazine called The Eagle, he too has a wealth of knowledge about The Glider Pilot Regiment. I wish you good luck. All the best. Lindsay
Paul Pariso Thank you for that information. I am in the throws of buying that book at the moment, it seems to be highly recommended and a must have. I haven't contacted the Museum yet as I am just starting out on my research. It would be amazing if it were possible to hear from Staff Sergeant Waring, but I wouldn't want to go raking over anything he would rather forget. Thanks again for you help and good wishes. Regards, JJS You're welcome and once again, good luck............
2 stripes usually means corporal. Maybe he got promoted and trained as a glider pilot after the photo.
Quick response on the 'Cpl' issue: He would have been learning to fly when the photo was taken. On qualifying as a pilot, he would have received his Sgt's stripes along with his 'Wings'. I'm checking other records. Steve W.
I just wanted to post to say how much I appreciate all of your comments and suggestions. The interest, help and guidance is overwhelming and humbling. Your interest is, in itself, a tribute to Jim, and if all of your efforts are any measure of how successful the outcome of my research should be, well - 'Nothing is Impossible' Thank you all.
Nothing in the 2 Wing GPR Casualty Files for Arnhem and no reference in the list of GPR Chaplain, Padre Pare. Sgt Sharrock's Army Number shows he enlisted in The Border Regt. I haven't been able to find a record of Mr Waring's death in 'The Eagle'; he may still be alive, but doesn't appear to have been a member of the GPRA. However, 'The Eagle' of August 1988 contains a letter from Len Wright DFM, in which he writes about an Occupation Guilder note that was signed by members of A Section 6 Flt, on 16th September; the group called themselves the 'Rhine Busters'. Two of the signatories were Sgt Sharrock and S/Sgt Waring. Len adds against Sgt Sharrock that he was killed when the Hamilcar overturned; could this be linked to what JJS's mother believed? At this time, that's all I can add. Steve W.
Hi JJS, Like some of the others on here I know a good few Glider Pilots and in my view they are all Gentleman of the highest order... And another photo for you taken at Arnhem and what Jim flew into that Battle... Cheers Tom
Nothing in the 2 Wing GPR Casualty Files for Arnhem and no reference in the list of GPR Chaplain, Padre Pare. Sgt Sharrock's Army Number shows he enlisted in The Border Regt. I haven't been able to find a record of Mr Waring's death in 'The Eagle'; he may still be alive, but doesn't appear to have been a member of the GPRA. However, 'The Eagle' of August 1988 contains a letter from Len Wright DFM, in which he writes about an Occupation Guilder note that was signed by members of A Section 6 Flt, on 16th September; the group called themselves the 'Rhine Busters'. Two of the signatories were Sgt Sharrock and S/Sgt Waring. Len adds against Sgt Sharrock that he was killed when the Hamilcar overturned; could this be linked to what JJS's mother believed? At this time, that's all I can add. Steve W. Thanks for the update Steve. On the CWGC site Sgt Sharrock is shown as dying on the 22nd Sept. When you compare that to what Len Wright says there is obviously a discrepancy. I wonder if Sgt Sharrock was injured when/if the glider overturned and subsequently succumbed to these injuries on the 22nd?? All the best mate.........
Hi. Checked my notes regarding the photograph of Panel 8 Groesbeek Memorial and Sgt David Thompson KIA 20/9/44 GPR is also now listed as buried Oosterbeek Plot 25 Row C Grave 10. I believe this took place around 1998 ? I presume the removal of Sgt Whitehouse name, was before this ? I believed CWGC didn't like removing names from memorials, because over time the panels started to look like a patch work quilt ! (gaps all over the place) Also because it is cheaper ! Mark
Hi, Just noticed the photograph of Panel 8 Groesbeek Memorial. I noticed the blank space after Sgt Tomlinson name. A name has been removed (I thought the CWGC didn't remove names !) Checking the Glider Pilot Regt Roll of Honour Sgt N.K WHITEHOUSE KIA 19.9.44 was listed on Groesbeek Mem !. Now listed St Michielsgestel Roman Catholic and Protestant Cem. This must have taken place in the last fifteen years ? Mark Sgt N. K. Whitehouse, St Michielsgestel Roman Catholic and Protestant cem, grave extreme right. regards lofty
Thanks for the update Steve. On the CWGC site Sgt Sharrock is shown as dying on the 22nd Sept. When you compare that to what Len Wright says there is obviously a discrepancy. I wonder if Sgt Sharrock was injured when/if the glider overturned and subsequently succumbed to these injuries on the 22nd?? All the best mate......... Good theory, Paul; however, there's no record of him being injured. Which doesn't mean he wasn't. Like others in this thread, is he actually buried somewhere? I also had a look in Arie's book, after I'd posted; he notes two from Waring/Sharrock's serial coming to grief in the soft soil. My belief, from all we have, is that Chalk 320 landed successfully and the pilots accompanied their passengers and gun. I'm also going to have a look at situation on 22nd, in 'Glider Pilots at Arnhem' and Middlebrook. Steve W.
I have a bit more information. Jim flew on the 17th and according to the report by Squadron 298 all gliders were seen to land safely.
I have a bit more information. Jim flew on the 17th and according to the report by Squadron 298 all gliders were seen to land safely. It would seem that Len Wright was probably mistaken then. Maybe the glider he witnessed overturning was a different one from the one piloted by Jim and S.Sgt Waring?............
It would seem that Len Wright was probably mistaken then. Maybe the glider he witnessed overturning was a different one from the one piloted by Jim and S.Sgt Waring?............ I think this must be right because as you said in your post yesterday: As a Sgt Jim would have been the "second pilot" of the glider. The "first pilot" was Staff Sergeant P. Waring. According to the book "Glider Pilots at Arnhem" S.Sgt Waring was evacuated to Nijmegen with the remnants of the Division after the withdrawal from Oosterbeek. As Jim flew out on the 17th it is probably/possibly correct that the signatures of the 16th were theirs, is it not?
