Stirling [& Halifax towing Horsa and Hamilcar gliders, on Operation Market]
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- England, circa 17 September 1944. Shows the launch of Operation Market. Troops of the British 1st Airborne Division boarding Horsa gliders for the airborne assault on Arnhem, Netherlands. The gliders have grafitti chalked on the fuselage. Close up shots of the grafitti. Halifax glider tugs with engine running lined up on the airfield. Glider troops chalking slogan on the aircraft's fuselage. The troops pose for the camera. Troops board the glider. Scene change to night time pan of the airfield. Short Stirling of 295 Squadron towing Horsa gliders and then taking off (night and then daylight shots). Halifax glider tugs take off towing Hamilcar gliders. Halifax tugs towing Horsa gliders take off. Scene change to take off shot from the rear of the tow aircraft. Scene change to shots from a glider's cockpit of the take off. Mid air shots of Short Stirlings of No. 620 Squadron RAF. Long shot of gliders in towed flight. Interior shots of Stirling crew. Flight over the English Channel. The white cliffs of Dover can be clearly seen. Approach of the European coast.
Great video, my dad can recall that being in the Horsa was not a nice experience, especially when it was detached from the towing aircraft, and descended pretty quickly for a bumpy landing
Absolutely wonderful footage, which helps people of my generation (born in 1950s) get some idea of the flying experience of these heroic men. Thank you!
Flight engineer Ewart John of 295 squadron, my great uncle took off in Stirling LK170 from Harwell. May well be in this footage. Sadly two days later his aircraft was shot down on a re supply mission to Arnhem. All aboard were lost.
Lest we forget.
This footage was taken in March 1945 Operation Varsity. Many photograps and film footage of Stirlings were taken during Operation Market so it is possible his aircraft is on record. His aircraft crashed near the Dutch Belgian border near Eede. At this moment the Dutch gorvernment has allocated funds for recovery of aircraft that might contain human remains. A airgunner sergeant Alfred Wheeler and a unidentified soldier probably a despatcher were recovered.
@@jimomaha7809 yes indeed Jim. I am currently in contact with the respective authorities about the possible recovery. We are waiting to see if the landowner will give permission. Let's pray he does as there are other families of crew members also awaiting the decision.
Alfred Wheeler along with an unnamed dispatcher are at Adegam Canadian cemetery.
How did you come by the info you posted?
@@petemansell9002 I have been studying Market-Garden since I was a teenager. The fate of crew LK170 is described in the book: Roll of honor, battle of Arnhem. And a few Dutch websites. The Roll of Honor Book is one of a series. Compiled by a Dutchman who describes the fate of all fallen Allied soldiers in the Netherlands. Also, those who died abroad as a result of injuries.
@@jimomaha7809 that's brilliant Jim. Where do you live?
My uncle and I did a battlefield tour to mark the 50th anniversary of Market Garden which was incredible.
The crews memorial is at Runnymede, Surrey, UK.
Apologies if you know that already!!
@@petemansell9002 I am Dutch, and I live near the Belgian border. During the 50th anniversary I also did a tour dressed in ww2 uniform. During the 60th I did it dressed as a airman.
My Dad was in this as a Nav/RO in a Halifax.
Gallant chaps into a Hornets Nest.
The Stirling is my favourite. M.
Very nice piece of historic film thx for sharing, one remark though on your tekst, this is not the 1st British Airborne Div taking off for Arnhem, this is a recording of the Ox&Bux & Devons 6th British Airborne Division taking off for Operation Varsity March 1945
Spot on. I noted the double wheel configuration of the Horsa which indicates a Mark II. Mark IIs were used during Operation Varsity and not Operation Market Garden. The two rope configuration was also different from the dual wing points of the Mark I
My did this in a Halifax, he could be in one on this film.
Terrific piece of film - thanks.
This is the definition of "fly by the seat of your pants"