Private Alfred Tate

Alfred Tate originally served in the York and Lancaster Regiment, enlisting with them 22 April 1939, before volunteering for Airborne Forces.

He was on parachute course 61B/62, which ran between 26 April and 4 May 1943, at RAF Ringway. His instructor noted this about Alfred :

"Good worker - good standard, make reliable paratroop"

His Platoon Commander was Lieutenant Jack Grayburn.

He took off from Saltby aerodrome in Lincolnshire on Sunday, 17 September 1944 as a member of 2 Platoon, A-Company, 2nd Parachute Battalion and parachuted onto DZ ‘X’ near Heelsum in Holland as part of ‘Operation Market-Garden’. His Section Commander, Sergeant Frank (Paddy) Lyoness twisted his ankle on the DZ and took no further part in the battle. No 2 Section was then lead by Corporal. Priestley. His granddaughter recalls Alfred saying "He was hit in the school after a grenade exploded and was bleeding on the back of his head he recalled “I thought well that’s me, I’m gone” 

In the battle around the Arnhem Bridge area he suffered a gunshot wound to leg and was then taken prisoner.

He was sent to Stalag XIB (Fallingbostel), No 117923. Alfred was sent to work in the Labour Camps attached to Stalag XI-B, Fallingbostel, 7004, P5/840950, 9 miles SSW of Brunswick - XI Work Camps attached to Stalag XI-B, Fallingbostel, 7005 Salzgitter. Alfred recalled  his escape from POW where they “took” a vehicle from German soldiers, “we sorted them” and found their way to allied forces nearby who were American.

He was still a POW according to records found dated early during 1945 but at some point did escape.

Alfred also recalled his escape from POW where they “took” a vehicle from German soldiers, “we sorted them” and found their way to allied forces nearby who were American.

He sang in the army concerts and was put on 'jankers' after a his song “If I was Brigadier”  and his version of “Kiss Me Goodnight Sergeant Major” but actually called “I Hate You Sergeant Major” 

Alfred was a boxer in the army and won many fights including a large trophy that the granddaughter believes was taken by extended family to America 

Alfred was released to the Army Reserves 13 April 1946.