Private James Courtney

James Courtney was the son of James and Bridget Courtney; husband of Louisa Courtney. He enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps, and volunteered for Airborne forces.

Private Courtney successfully completed Air Despatcher training and was posted to 253 (Airborne) Divisional Composite Company, Royal Army Service Corps, and took part in Operation Market Garden (Arnhem).

Pte Courtney was killed in action on 19 September 1944, aged 33, when Stirling EF-263, base Fairford, received a direct hit from Flak while on a re-supply mission, and crashed at ‘De Bleeke’, east of the ‘De Ruwenberg’ Seminary at Sint-Michielsgestel. There were no survivors from the six crew and two Air Despatchers. Pte Courtney and three others were recovered from the wreckage at the end of hostilities and re-interred to the Mierlo War Cemetery on 8 November 1945.

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