Airborne Assault MuseumArticle
Normandy (Operation Overlord)
Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of occupied Europe commonly known as D-Day, saw the 6th Airborne Division in action f...
Douglas Smithson joined the Glider Pilot Regiment in 1943, after service in the Royal Engineers where he fought in France in 1940 and was evacuated from Dunkirk.He took part in the Normandy landings on D-Day, then later flew to Arnhem 18 September 1944, as part of 10 Flight, G Squadron. Due to a near mid-air collision he had to land on the island Goeree-Overflakkee in Holland and was taken to a German camp as a POW.
After the war he served in Northern Ireland until 1947, before leaving the Army. He later enjoyed a successful civilian career as a Construction worker and finally, as a Teacher.
Service History
- 1940 Royal Engineers (Not known)
- 1943 Glider Pilot Regiment (Sergeant)