Banged open the throttles and pulled up and away …

In this BBC recording, Dakota pilot Jimmy Edwards, recalls some of the flights he made during Operation Market Garden, in support of British Airborne troops who were dropped deep behind enemy lines near the Dutch town of Arnhem. The operation was made famous in the book and the film ‘A Bridge too far’. Dropped behind enemy lines ground forces were expected to link up with the airborne troops after four days, however, meeting stiff German resistance, lightly armed and with dwindling supplies the paratroopers held out for nine days before the battle ended on the 25th of September 1944. Jimmy Edwards was shot down on 21st September during operations to resupply the beleaguered paratroops, having wounded dispatchers on board the aircraft he decided to force land, however, the aircraft was severely damaged and on fire. Jimmy had to push his head and shoulders through the escape hatch above the pilot’s seat to see where he was flying despite fire being in the cockpit, he managed to crash land the aircraft with one hand on the control column. For this action and his devotion to duty he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Jimmy was to find fame after the war as a comedy actor on radio and later television.