Douglas Stanley was the son of Randolph and Elizebeth Stanley, of Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent, and husband of Vera Stanley, also of Bucknall. He originally enlisted to the North Staffordshire Regiment (TA), posted to 20th Infantry Training Centre in mid-April 1942. He transferred to the South Staffordshire Regiment shortly afterwards in August, before finally joining the Royal Artillery in late December 1942.
He was initially posted to 103rd Anti-Tank Regiment, before transferring to Airborne service with A Troop, 3rd Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery in July 1943. He subsequently undertook extensive training with the Battery in preparation for the invasion of Europe the following summer.
On 5 June 1944, he emplaned at Tarrant Rushton, Dorset as 6th Airborne Division embarked for D-Day, at the beginning of Op Overlord. Having successfully deplaned in Normandy the following morning, Gnr Stanley was Killed In Action later that day.
Gunner Stanley died on 6 June 1944, aged 35 years old. He is now buried at St Vaast-en-Auge Churchyard, Normandy.
Profile created with assistance from Phil Jennett, from original research reproduced by kind permission of Ludovic Louis: Les Parachutistes de Saint Vaast En Auge
