Private Alan James 'Jim' Shapland enlisted into the Sussex Regiment during World War II and later volunteered for Airborne Forces.
He qualfiied as a military parachutist on Course 80 which ran at RAF Ringway from 30 August to 9 September 1943. The course instructors' notes record that Alan had a cheerful disposition and was a good performer.
Jim joined the 22nd Independent Parachute Company which acted as the pathfinders for 6th Airborne Division and served in No 2 Platoon.
He was injured in mid-May 1944 while performing a training jump for D-Day and was hospitalised. His platoon commander Lt Robert Midwood sent him a personal two page typed letter after his accident. It appears that Jim did not return to the unit following his injury and he was presented with an engraved silver cigarette case by the Company.
It is believed that he subsequently served with the Seaforth Highlanders in India in 1945.
Profile under development.
By ParaData Editor with the kind assistance of John and Kathryn Shapland
Read More
Latest Comments
There are currently no comments for this content.
Add Comment
In order to add comments you must be registered with ParaData.
If you are currently a ParaData member please login.
If you are not currently a ParaData member but wish to get involved please register.