Sergeant Douglas Smithson

Douglas Smithson joined the Glider Pilot Regiment in 1943, after service in the Royal Engineers where he fought in France in 1940 and was evacuated from Dunkirk.

He took part in the Normandy landings on D-Day, then later flew to Arnhem 18 September 1944, as part of 10 Flight, G Squadron. Due to a near mid-air collision he had to land on the island Goeree-Overflakkee in Holland and was taken to a German camp as a POW.

After the war he served in Northern Ireland until 1947, before leaving the Army. He later enjoyed a successful civilian career as a Construction worker and finally, as a Teacher.