Corporal Sydney John Graham

Corporal Sydney John Graham applied for service with the newly formed Glider Pilot Regiment in 1942. In addition to meeting the mental and physical standards required of RAF aircrew, glider pilots were required to be ‘Total Soldiers’ and fight on the ground with the airborne soldiers they transported. This required soldiers of high calibre with a flexible disposition, intelligence, initiative and discipline.

After completing basic training at the Regiment’s Depot at Tilshead, Corporal Graham transferred to No 16 Elementary Flying Training School at RAF Burnaston, near Derby for a 12 week course. The Elementary Flying Training Schools taught glider pilot students to become proficient in flying light aircraft using Tiger Moths and Miles Magisters.

Corporal Graham died in a training accident while attending No 16 EFTS RAF Burnaston on 5 June 1942. He is now buried nearby at St. Wystan’s Churchyard, Repton.