Roy Wright’s Para Smock
Roy Wright belonged to ‘B’ Company, 9th Parachute Battalion. He was one of the 150 that actually made it to the RV and took part in the assault on the Merville Gun Battery.
After the assault, the survivors reformed at the Calvary Cross, just along the road from the Battery. These remnants of Colonel Otway’s force then headed south for Amfreville. On reaching the village, they came under fire and it was apparent that Amfreville was heavily defended, and so the 9th Battalion men took up position in the grounds of the Amfreville Chateau. During the morning, Colonel Otway sent out a small patrol led by Lieutenant Tom Halliburton. Roy Wright was a member of that patrol and was ordered, along with Bob Abel, to take up position in an outhouse. Halliburton led the remainder of the men towards and into the courtyard of a small chateau and ran straight into an ambush. Roy remembered, “Me and Bob Abel were firing through wooden slats and I was up in the aim [position]. The Jerry I was aiming at, shot first, just like in the films. I shot across this outhouse into the hay and I just passed out.” The bullet had hit him in the left side of the neck and passed out just below his Adam’s Apple.
Halliburton had been hit by a machine-gun fire and was to later die of his wounds, but fortunately Roy survived, recovered, and eventually returned to the Battalion.
During Operation Varsity, the Airborne Crossing of the Rhine, he was fortunate again when a bullet skimmed his arm. Roy was still wearing what he called his ‘lucky smock’ and this can be seen below.
The smock was graciously donated by the Wright family to the Airborne Assault Museum at Duxford, and I am indebted to Jon Baker for allowing me to see this piece of history.
A great honour to hold his smock Neil. Thanks for sharing and including the detail.
Thankyou for sharing Grandad’s story, he would be honoured that you have taken the time to tell it.
An Absolute pleasure, Adam.
Thank you Neil, Dad would be honoured at your tribute, we certainly are in awe of his bravery, he was a kind, gentle, funny yet quiet man with a wicked sense of humour, who never discussed his war memories with “his girls”, as he didn’t want us to know what he went through and suffered. We miss him terribly. He was a acting father as well grandfather to both my children, teaching them and guiding them whilst I worked and I am forever in his and Mum’s debt for doing so.
Debbie, you had two wonderful parents. They made a marvellous couple. Will never forget them. Neil.
Thank you Neil 💞
So proud of Roy, it was an absolute honour when he made me an honorary member of The 9th battalion, I wear my tie with great pride, he welcomed me into the family and I loved him like a father. We shared some many fun times and jokes.
Alan, you’ve every right to be proud of him and to wear that tie. The Reunion Club needs to stay strong. Are you able to go to Normandy this year ? Regards, Neil.
Unfortunately not this year, would like to take all our “kids” to show them perhaps next year, does the luncheon still happen?
Unfortunately no, Alan. Might raise the matter at the next meeting and also see if there is interest from the membership.
Marvellous piece of history, wish I had some of my dad’s stuff. He brought a lot of booty home, various german items and trophies which he left at his fathers house in Edinburgh, unfortunately before he returned home to get it his stepmother threw it all out!
What a loss, Doug.
What a fantastic piece of history. I’m so proud to have had such a brave hero as my Grandad. He played such a massive part in my life. What a legacy to have left. Thank you Neil x