#Arnhem80 โ 80 years ago today, the 1st Airborne Division was dropped into Arnhem as part of Operation Market Garden. While history often recalls the chaos and tragedy of the battle, one manโs bizarre bravery stands out: Major Allison Digby Tatham Warter, a British officer so eccentric that he carried an umbrella into battle. This is his story โ brought to life in a script written by my good friend Neil Thornton.
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Thanks to you all for a wonderful positive response to this video. Digby's story is incredible and Im really glad that his eccentric bravery is still respected to this day. I just wanted to apologise if I haven't replied to many comments. As regular viewers may be aware I've decided to generally step back from replying to comments. I still have a quick sweep through from time to time but in general I'm focusing on creating more content and spending less time in the comments section. If anyone wants to keep in touch then my newsletter is the best place – https://redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ – thanks again and let's keep these stories alive for future generations. Chris.
Great story of a True British Hero. What a Man! Just as crazy as the ( Flying Chicken ) that was on the Drop in. Arnhem
They shouldnโt have wasted 500 commandos at the Saint Nazaire raid. They couldโve been at Arnhem and won the war right there.
Tirpitz was sunk by bombers anyway and the cost of saving a few supply ships, wasnโt worth the loss of the elite commandos.
Very brave yes, Strategically useful not really.
Whilst on a rugby tour of Holland. My friends and I paid homage and visited the bridge at Arnhem. And there, hooked on a railing was an umbrella,one of the black ones with the bent bamboo handle. Some tourist had more than likley had hooked it over and taken a photo or two and left it. This was taken a great omen by my friend and I who were TA airborne and knew the story. My late good friend, who went on to be a rupert in 1Para, was not unlike Major D:T:W. being mad and up for a knuckle . We celibrated by going to the nearest bar to try and buy a drink,which, in those days was difficult if you were anything airborne related as the locals would not let you pay.
Love the history.Never forget x
The Kingsman
Yes but what will everyone else do if it rains.
Wow what a man
What an extraordinary man. Makes me proud to be British, even though l'm a Kiwi.
Digby has the Sprit of Paddy Mayne
It is so refreshing to hear a proper person on these videos. It is so much more engaging than the robotic voices that you find in some cases. The story was really interesting too.
It was the failure of intelligence to identify the German Panzer Corp in the area despite the PR flights that clearly showed the German armour in the area
Green on mucker lots of memories from a oldswet my self an ex'service AB ALL THE WAY BROTHER FROM A EX'PARA!! I had 4'uncle's who was in this rade an only 2came out ๐ I'll be jumping this wkend on sat on the DZ. Green on mucker lots of memories from a oldswet my self an ex'service ex'2para!!
Why Maynard James Keenan is an English Paratrooper?
My Dad was in 2nd Grenadiers 1939-1946. In 1944 he was in a Guards Armoured Division Sherman that crossed the Bridge at Nijmegen as shown in A Bridge Too Far.
Well it might have rained !
Great story well presented. Bravo to our forces
Excellent video mate
Now THAT is British. And his brother….sat a top a tank in a chair leading his men. Not to forget his sister too Legends all ๐ฌ๐ง
Proof – and nowadays it seems necessary – that not all posh blokes are twits and not all working class blokes are hapless victims of the โclass warโ
He was truly fantastic. Born in 1919, went back in time just far enough to fight for the Brits in WWI! WHAT A GUY! ๐๐๐
Seaman Joe, born in Kent, joined the Royal Navy and fought in WWI. In WWII was captured at Tobruk
What a Extraordinary ๐ด๓ ง๓ ข๓ ฅ๓ ฎ๓ ง๓ ฟ Man! He lived 9 lives in his Short 75 years on Earth, Respect from a ๐ฎ๐ช Man, we have a Painful History between our Nations however I salute his contribution to WW2 and beyond ๐๐๐
Wonderful stuff!
How about the English man who carried a bow&arrow to battle ๐ฎ
You left out where he disabled an German armoured car by poking the driver in the eye with his umbrella through the vision slit.
An interesting aside from the clip of Major John Howard in the Longest Day, played by Richard Todd. Richard Todd was a Lieutenant in the 7th Light Infantry, Parashute Btn, and there is a scene in the film where Lt. Richard Todd played by Patrick Jordan, has a conversation with Maj. John Howard played by Richard Todd. Apparently it was a bit surreal.
Smashing video and always thanks Chris
A Gentleman who lived in my village in Snowdonia was in the Paras at Arnhem. He was severely wounded in a battle there and was captured by the Germans. He was in a bad state and the Germans gave him blood there and then on the battlefield, straight from the arm of a German soldier. He survived and lived until 4 years ago. Sadly I had no idea of his adventures until after he passed. He was a lovely, gentle, quiet, distinguished but unassuming man…..
Can I ask my British friends about the pronunciation of Digbyโs last name? Is it Tate-em or Thath-em? Iโve heard both.
Very well told
Very good video. I really enjoyed that and learnt quite a few things I didnโt know before. Appreciate your time in making this. Keep up the good work!๐๐ป
5:00 I served with some enlisted millionaire kids in the US Marines.
Nothing like some dirty adversity and shared misery to promote egalitarianism.
Semper Fi ๐บ๐ธ๐ฌ๐ง
Great video always love the longest day. My grandfather was a World War II US Marine post World War II. He had multiple jobs on the weekends to supplement. His factory job for general motors of them was at a movie theater, so I grew up watching movies with him the longest day in a bridge too far which you mentioned Were some of my favorites to watch with him. I subscribed and look forward to watching more of your videos. I hope you have one on the Pegasus bridge. That is another piece of history, but I am very fond of.
What did these men fight for they let the reds and the immigrants in ๐ค
He carried an umbrella because he couldn't remember passwords so he could be recognised as one of us.
Wonderful wonderful story telling. Never a bored moment and I felt like this chap and me were chatting in the same bar. I wish his spirit lives well and being loyalty and persistent and determination to wherever he goes.
I remember there is another soldier who brings an medieval knight sword wherever he goes around in battlefield. British homes have brought many strange fellas. Ah yes, I looked it up. Jack Churchill or Mad Jack. Longbow and a bag pipe.