Sergeant Harold Howells DCM

Harold Howells enlisted in to the Sherwood Foresters on the 15 July 1939. [1]

By now a Corporal he volunteered for Airborne Forces in early 1942, and having passed the selection phase at Hardwick Hall, he was sent on Parachute Course 8 at RAF Ringway. This was a reinforcement group for the 1st Parachute Battalion and took place between the 10 and the 24 February 1942. He completed the two balloon and five aircraft descents, from a Whitley, to qualify as an Army parachutist. [2]

He served in the Mortar Platoon, 1st Parachute Battalion, as a Section Commander, in North Africa, 1942 – 1943, where he was wounded on the 3rd February 1943.

Sgt. Harold Howells was serving with the 1st Parachute Bn in North Africa when he was awarded his DCM London Gazette: 18.04.43.

Attended an awards ceremony in London on the 3 May 1944.

He was discharged from the Army on the 25 July 1944. [1]

NOTES:

[1] The Parachute Regiment Transfer & Enlistment Book 03, page 31.

[2] Parachute Course Report, RAF Ringway. February 1942.