Memorial Glider Pilot Regiment

GLIDER PILOT REGIMENT
ARMY AIR CORPS
1942-1957

The Glider Pilot Regiment, Army Air Corps was formed in 1942. Glider Pilots were required to operate as combat soldiers having landed their gliders in action. To qualify as Army Pilots they trained on powered aircraft before graduating to the Hotspur, Horsa, Hadrian and Hamilcar gliders. The majority of the Glider Pilots were Senior Non Commissioned Officers, with Officer Pilots in command appointments.
The Glider Pilot Regiment performed with distinction throughout the Second World War in all of the major airborne battles and assisted in clandestine operations. They served not only in the European theatre but in North Africa and India as well. The Regiment had 556 men killed in action and received 113 awards for gallantry.
During the period late 1944 until the war’s end in the Far East approximately 1.000 R.A.F. Glider Pilots were seconded to the Regiment, a number taking part in the Rhine Crossing operation.
In the post War years the Glider Pilot Regiment continued to support the Army with Light Liaison and Reconaissance Flights, in Europe, Korea and the Far and Middle East. Members of the Regiment also took part in the Berlin Air Lift.
The Glider Pilot Regiment was disbanded in 1957 to provide the foundation for the modern Army Air Corps.
This memorial stone was presented by the people of Renkum Municipality in The Netherlands. It was in and around this area that the Regiment suffered the vast majority of its members Killed In Action. ‘The Renkum Stone’ marks the unique bond its people have with the Regiment and has a great relevance in its location here at Alrewas on MARKET GARDEN WAY.

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Source

• Text: Arjan Vrieze
• Photos: Arjan Vrieze

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