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Roll Call Sergeant Ernest D Ballinger {Ernie}

Ernest 'Ernie' Ballinger intially joined the Army with the Royal Army Service Corps, with whom he served in the early part of the Second World War. 

Sergeant Ballinger was one of the earliest volunteers to the fledgling Airborne Forces. He completed the Advanced Parachute Course 1/2 in mid-January 1942 and joined 2nd Parachute Battalion.

In September 1944, Sgt Ballinger was a Section Commander in 1 Platoon, A Coy, 2nd Parachute Battalion and took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden. During the Battle, Ernie was wounded and subsequently captured, being held as a Prisoner of War following the 1st Airborne withdrawal on 25-6 September 1944.

Profile under construction

by Steven Ballinger

Listed Operations

Formation and Early Airborne Forces
09/09/1943 – 01/05/1945 Italy
17/09/1944 – 25/09/1944 Arnhem (Operation Market Garden)

Airborne Forces service history

1942-1944 The 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), (Sergeant)
1944-1945 Section Commander, The 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (2 PARA), (Sergeant)