Sergeant Albert E Spring

Sergeant Albert Edward Spring served with Airborne Forces in the Second World War as part of 10th Parachute Battalion.

Albert Spring, born in May 1916, initially served with the Seaforth Highlanders before transferring to Airborne Forces in the Middle East, completing his parachute training at RAF Kabrit in Egypt.

In September 1944, Albert had become a Platoon Sergeant in 12 Platoon, B Company, 10th Parachute Battalion and took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden.

Sgt Spring took off from Spanhoe with other members of the platoon in a C-47 Dakota 43-16032, which was part of 315 Troop Carrier Group, 43 Troop Carrier Squadron.

The aircraft was shot down by flak in ‘De Maten’ municipality of Doodeward, The Netherlands at about 14:15 hours, and crashed near Opheusden.

Pte Alf Penwill was the only Paratrooper to be killed in this crash, the remainder of the stick were able to bale out, thanks to the bravery of the Pilot, James Spurrier, who was killed along with his radio operator.

Records indicate that Sgt Spring was successfully able to evade capture.

Albert Spring died in April 2002.

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