Gunner James A Whelan

James Anthony Whelan was the son of Robert and Catherine Whelan, of Chaddesden, Derbyshire. He enlisted in the Royal Artillery and volunteered for airborne forces.

Gunner Whelan successfully completed glider training and parachute training at RAF Ringway. He took part in course 106 which lasted from 6 to 16 March 1944. His course report stated ‘Average – Confident.’ He was posted to 1 Airlanding Light Regiment, Royal Artillery, and took part in Operation Market Garden (Arnhem).

Gnr Whelan died in Stalag IVD, aged 22, possibly during an allied air raid and was given a Field Burial in Saalkries Cemetery, Germany. He was reinterred to Berlin 1939-1945 War Cemetery on 15 October 1948.

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