Smith Harold Wilson Pte 4460217
Personnel Entry
Name Smith Harold Wilson
Army number 4460217
Rank Pte
Decorations
Date of birth Born 1917/18.
Age 26
Unit Joined The Durham Light Infantry, T, enlisted 14/3/1940. Posted 11th Bn DLI. Served Iceland. Transferred to the Army Air Corps 25/10/42, Posted 2nd Bn Glider Pilot Regiment, Docs to Edinburgh 10/12/42, Posted "F" Squadron No 2 Wing. KILLED in ACTION 22/9/1944 with 2nd Glider Pilot Regiment.
Company/Battery
Platoon or other sub-unit
Task or role
Joined Brigade Soon after 14/3/1940.
Promotions Sgt.
Wounded
Prisoner of War
Died/Killed in action 22-Sep-44.
Home address Son of Harold Wilson Smith and Bessie Smith of Crossens, Southport, Lancashire. Buried Grave 22. B. 19. Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.
Source table 11DLI
Thanks to the Archivist of the Glider Pilot Regiment we know that "....Sgt Smith took part in Operation Market Garden in September 1944, but we do not know his chalk number, or which lift he took part in. "F" Squadron took part in both the First and Second Lifts, operating from RAF Broadwell and Blakehill Farm. He was killed in action on 22 September, aged 26. Originally reported missing, he was first buried at House Pietersberg, before being re-interred at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem, Grave 22.B.19". The detailed help of the Regimental Archivist is acknowledged with gratitude.
Because of his transfer to the Glider Pilot Regiment, Sgt Smith is not included in the DLI Roll of Honour.
