David John England

 

September 19, 2024, marks the 80^th anniversary of the death of David John England, who served with the 10^th Battalion, Parachute Regiment.

David was born on July 7, 1925, initially enlisted in the General Service Corps and volunteered for the Parachute Regiment.

RAF Ringway, Cheshire 

Training for the parachute regiment was undertaken at RAF Ringway.  RAF Ringway is situated in Cheshire, nr. Manchester, which was the wartime base for No.1 Parachute Training School RAF.   In total, it is estimated that 60,000 soldiers undertake training for the parachute regiment.  Also developed at the base was the development of parachute drops of equipment, along with the development of military glider operations.  Special Operations Executive (SOE) were also trained at the base. Following the course, 3^rd to 14^th April 1944, David was posted to the 10^th Battalion.

10^th Battalion
Parachute Regiment
DZ Flash

The 10^th Battalion was formed in Egypt and assigned to the 4^th Parachute Brigade. 

On the second day of the Battle of Arnhem, 18^th October 1944, the 10^th Battalion landed west of Arnhem.  Their main objective was to hold to a position on the high ground north of Arnhem at Koepel.  With the 156^th Parachute Battalion leading on the right, the battalion followed slightly behind on the left. 

The following morning, the 19^th, was just north of Rotterdam to Arnhem railway line.  The battalion came under attack from the 9^th SS Panzer Division, who had been dug in two days earlier.  Casualties were high, and headquarters had permission to withdraw south to the rail line at Oosterbeek.  With the battalion pulling back, they found that the Germans had already occupied their intended new positions.  The battalion had lost communications with the Brigade that afternoon.

To cross back over the rail the battalion had to capture the crossing point at Wolfeze.  The battalion withdrew remaining in contact with the advancing German tanks and were under mortar fire.  The rearguard was under the command of Lionel Queripel who was killed in action and was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross for his actions.

The battalion left the woods and moved onto the open ground of landing-zone L, which had been occupied by the 1^st Polish Parachute Brigade, who had just landed.  In the confusion, both sides opened fire on each other, at the same time, the 10^th battalion was under fire from the Germans.

The battalion headed off to Wolfeze and was preparing to defend the village.

Wolfeze is a village 6 miles northwards of the City of Arnhem.  It was here that David was killed.

Psychiatric Hospital
Wolfeze

David J England
Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery

Initially, he was buried in the region of the Psychiatric Hospital, situated in Wolfeze.  Following the war, David was re-interred at buried at Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.  The hospital was established in 1907, but today, it is a museum.

David was the son of David J. England and Mary nee. Coakley.  They were married in 1918. 

1921 Census

At the time of the 19121 Census, the couple, David, 22, and 23-year-old Mary were residing at 55 Miers Street, St. Thomas, the home of Emily Coakley, mother of Mary.

David was employed as a Ship Beaker, Cutter at Ship Beakers, Thomas W. Ward.

By the time of the 1939 Register, the couple, are living at 3 Grenfell Park Road.

1939 Register

David is employed as a Coal Hoist Labourer.  Mary undertakes Unpaid Domestic Duties.  Also present are sons David J., born 1927, and Glyn born 1927.  They both attended school.