Private Harold Sands, son of John and Nellie Sands (nee Shuker), was born in Birmingham in 1925 and worked as a lorry driver's mate prior to joining the Army in World War II.
Harold lied about his age when he was attested, and was still only 16 when he joined in February 1942. He was sent to No. 14 Infantry Training Centre prior to joining The Dorsetshire Regiment.
After volunteering for airborne forces, he later attended Parachute Course 91 at RAF Ringway between 11 November and 26 November 1943. From there he went on to serve with 6 Platoon, B Coy, 13th (South Lancs) Parachute Battalion and took part in the parachute landings to DZ N on 6 June 1944 at the beginning of the Normandy campaign, during Op Overlord.
Private Sands died during the assault on Hill 13 near Putot-En-Auge on 19 August 1944, aged 19 years old, and is now buried at Putot-En-Auge Churchyard, Normandy.
Profile compiled with the assistance of Phil JennettArmy Roll of Honour: World War II supplied by Naval and Military Press Ltd
- Name
- Harold Sands
- Rank
- Private
- Service Number
- 5735323
- Regiment
- Parachute Regt (The South Lancashire Regt (Prince of Wales' Volunteers))
- Date of Death
- 19/8/44
- Theatre of War
- Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45
