Private Robert V Montgomery

Private Robert Victor Montgomery, from Belfast, initially served as a Fusilier before transferring to Airborne service with 3 Platoon, B Coy, 3rd Parachute Battalion after passing his Parachute Jump Course 64, in May 1943 at Ringway, with the comments 'Slow to start, but has shown improvement'. He was quickly dispatched into service, reinforcing the Battalion in North Africa before operations in Sicily and Italy. By late 1944, he returned to the UK in preparation for the next major 1st Airborne operation in North West Europe and subsequently took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden.

Private Robert Victor Montgomery was wounded and subsequently captured on 19 September 1944 whilst trying to fire a PIAT in the Museum area of Arnhem, whilst fighting with members of the 2nd Battalion, South Staffs, after becoming seperated from other soldiers of the 3rd Parachute Battalion. After capture he was transferred to Stalag XI-B, in Saxony, Germany (POW No. 118766).

Robert Montgomery was eventually freed and survived the war, moving into civilian life and began to bring up a family. He never fully recovered from the wounds suffered at Arnhem however, and died at a young age in 1961.