Trooper William M Edmond

Trooper Edmond was the son of William and Joanna Edmond, of Musselburgh, Midlothian and husband of Janet Edmond, also of Musselburgh.

He served with 9 Section, C Troop, of 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron RAC at Arnhem.

Tpr Edmond was shot through the back by a German sniper on the first day of the operation after landing by glider as elements of the squadron tried to advance to Arnhem through Wolfheze.

Lt Bowles and Sgt David Christie ran out from the edge of woods under enemy fire to drag him to safety. He was laid on a stretcher on Christie's jeep and taken to the Regimental Aid Post. By now Tpr Edmond was drifting in and out of consciousness. Comrades tending him realised he had been mortally wounded through the left lung. Tpr Edmond also realised this and told Sgt Christie 'Jock, I'm dying. Tell my wife I love her and go and see her for me.' He lost consciousness again and later died of his wound.

Trooper William Edmond died on 17 September 1944, aged 27 years, and was initially interred in a temporary field grave in the garden of Number 9 Duitsekampweg at Wolfheze. He is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem. A local Dutch lady called Willemien, cared for his grave for over 75 years. She sadly passed away, aged 85, in July 2020. Her story was told by the BBC in a report at the time. 

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Grave image by Bob Hilton.