Corporal Thomas J Sweet

Thomas J Sweet joined the Army 19 October 1939. He served with The 4th Monmouthshire Reg before volunteering for the airborne forces, serving with 2 SAS and The 1st Parachute bn, T Coy, 11 Pln.

He originally jump trained sometime in 1940/41, before formal RAF Ringway records were kept. However he received further jump training between 4 and 11 January 1942 on course 1 ADV. This course consisted of 1 night jump from balloon and 2 from aircraft with containers. The course notes records that there were several injuries caused by a combination of frozen ground, contractors leaving railings, wheelbarrows and other such equipment around the drop zone. Other parachutists landed in trees. This was caused by 'misjudgement' made by RAF pilots.

It was also noted that Polish soldiers made a practise of getting out of their haresses during their descent. This action means that when they reach the ground they are instantaneously ready to go into their section. It was thought that although there is danger in this method, it will warrant further investigation and possible inclusion in the syllabus of further advanced training courses. 

Thomas was wounded in action on 3 February 1942, in operations in N. Africa.

He joined the Reserves 30 March 1946.