Cuthbert A Collinson

Telegraphist Cuthbert Andrew Collinson (known as Andrew) was born in Marsden, South Shields.  He enlisted on the 14 November 1941 at HMS Collingwood.  He served at HMS Pembroke, HMS Copra and HMS Dundonald II, the Combined Training Centre at Troon, Scotland. 

In November 1943 he was sent to RAF Ringway, where he completed course 92 of parachute training and was listed as belonging to No 1 Bombardment Unit.  Whilst with Naval Bombardment Unit No 2 Troop, he was attached to the 9th Bn The Parachute Regiment for D-Day, along with another Naval Rating Len Hall. 

On 23 June 1944 he was captured at Dozule in Normandy and held until May 1945.  On being released he completed the MI9 questionnaire in which it asked if there were any other matters he wished to bring notice to.  He responded "Lack of German rations to POWs including fuel."

He was demobbed in April 1946, but mobilised in October 1951 for service in Korea, before finally leaving in April 1953.  

The profile photograph shows Andrew wearing his para wings on the lower arm.

He died in Gainsborough on 29 March 1995.