Sergeant Dennis I Gillespie

'Danny' Gillespie was born on 19 May 1924 in Belfast and was educated at Strand PE School. Upon leaving school he became an apprentice joiner until February 1942, when he enlisted in The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

He volunteered for Airborne Forces, qualified as a military parachutist on Course 45 which ran at RAF Ringway from 4 to 13 January 1943, and was one of of the small batch of 'Skins' selected for 21st Indepependent Para Coy by Major Lander.

'Danny', who served his time throughout the company with No 1 Platoon and rose to the rank of Sergeant, deployed to North Africa, Italy, Arnhem, Norway and Palestine.

He was demobilised in 1946 and resumed his civilian occupation of joiner until retiring in May 1989.

'Danny' Gillespie died in 2003.

Based on a profile contained in 'Leading the Way to Arnhem' by Peter Gijbels and David Truesdale Robert Sigmond Publishing 2008.