James Whitley | ParaData

James Whitley joined the Army 22 July 1937. he served with The Grenadier Guards before volunteering for The Parachute Regiment.

His parachute jump instruction details are unknown. It is known that james served with The 1st Parachute Battalion, T Coy, 11 Pln as a CSM.

James took part in operations in N.Africa, Sicily, Italy and Arnhem. During Op. Market Garden he was captured by German forces and held in Stalag 12A.

James joined the Reserves 14 May 1946.

The Airborne Assault Team

Operations

Event

Arnhem (Operation Market Garden)

1st Allied Airborne Corps, which included the American 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, was tasked to secure the main canal and river crossings between Eindhoven and Arnhem.

Event

Italy

The Italians had capitulated while the force was still at sea. The sinking of HMS Abdiel by a mine in the harbour, however, resulted in the loss of 130 soldiers from 6th (Royal Welch) Parachute Battalion including their Commanding Officer.

Event

North Africa (Operation Torch)

On 12 November the 3rd Parachute Battalion (3 Para Bn) jumped onto and seized the vital airfield at Bone between Algiers and Tunis, arriving barely before German paratroopers deployed for the same mission.

Event

Sicily (Operation Husky)

Speed was essential to prevent the consolidation of Italian and German defences facing a rapid pincer movement launched from the west and south east immediately after the amphibious landings. Key bridges and ports were to be captured by airborne assault.

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Warrant Officer Class 2 James Whitley

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Operations

Arnhem (Operation Market Garden)

Italy

North Africa (Operation Torch)

Sicily (Operation Husky)

Latest Comments

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Warrant Officer Class 2 James Whitley

{ B }

Operations

Arnhem (Operation Market Garden)

Italy

North Africa (Operation Torch)

Sicily (Operation Husky)

Latest Comments

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