Driver James W Orton

13 Jun 1944

James William Orton was the son of James William and Elizabeth Orton; husband of Kathleen Orton, of Keighley, Yorkshire, he enlisted in the Royal Army Service Corps and volunteered for airborne forces.

Driver Orton successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway and was posted to 398 (Airborne) Composite Company, Royal Army Service Corps and took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy).

Dvr Orton was killed in action on 13 June 1944, age 32, and was buried in Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France.

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By Rod Gibson

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Service History

Operations

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Latest Comments

Francis Joy, Formerly Orton said:
James William Orton was my mother's father and thus, my grandfather. In visited his resting place in 2000 and was deeply moved to see how many young men were sacrificed for our freedom. I am grateful for the information about his training and service and would be more grateful should there be any further information about him.

Sincerely, Francis.
Leslie Crane said:
My mother, Marjorie Crane was his cousin, she was born and lived in South Bank. Her maiden name was Waterfield and she was one of 5 siblings. When her mam died she temporarily lived with relatives in Keithley. She told me that he had died at Arnhem and avidly watched any film re Arnhem looking for him. When she wasin a nursing home I looked for his details and was surprised tp find out he had died several months earlier. I told her but am not sure it really went in. Nice to see your comment although as a relative you are probably several times removed. Les Crane - also born in South Bank.
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