Jim Wallwork facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Wallwork
|
|
|---|---|
| Birth name | James Harley Wallwork |
| Nickname(s) | Jim |
| Born | 21 October 1919 Salford, England |
| Died | 24 January 2013 (aged 93) White Rock, British Columbia, Canada |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1939–1945 |
| Rank | Staff Sergeant |
| Service number | 903986 |
| Unit | Glider Pilot Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Second World War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Medal |
| Other work | Farmer |
James Harley Wallwork was a brave British soldier and an amazing pilot. He was born on October 21, 1919, and passed away on January 24, 2013. He was part of the Glider Pilot Regiment during the Second World War.
Jim Wallwork became famous for a very important mission. He was the pilot of the first Horsa glider to land at Pegasus Bridge. This happened very early on D-Day, June 6, 1944. An important leader, Air Chief Marshal Sir Trafford Leigh-Mallory, called this "the greatest feat of flying of the Second World War." Even though he is most known for his role in the Battle of Normandy, Wallwork flew gliders in every major British airborne mission during the war. This included landings in Sicily, Arnhem, and the Rhine Crossings.
Early Life and Army Service
Jim Wallwork was born in Salford, England. His father was a soldier who had fought in the First World War. In May 1939, Jim decided to join the British Army. His father told him not to join the regular foot soldiers.
Jim first joined the Royal Artillery, which uses big guns. He was part of the 53rd Field Regiment. Later, he moved to the 111th Field Regiment. In May 1940, he was sent to an infantry unit, the 9th Battalion of the York and Lancaster Regiment.
However, Jim quickly found infantry life boring. Even after being promoted to sergeant, he wanted to join the Royal Air Force, which flies planes. His commanding officer stopped him from doing this. But in 1942, Jim was accepted for training in the new Glider Pilot Regiment. By May 1942, he was learning to fly gliders at flight school.
The Pegasus Bridge Mission
After finishing his training at Tarrant Rushton airfield, Jim Wallwork prepared for a huge mission. On the evening of June 5, 1944, he took off as part of the invasion of Normandy. This was the start of D-Day.
Just after midnight on June 6, his Horsa glider landed in France, which was controlled by the enemy. His glider landed less than 50 feet from the water tower of the Benouville Bridge, also known as Pegasus Bridge. The landing was so powerful that Jim and his co-pilot, John Ainsworth, were thrown through the front of the glider's cockpit.
They were a bit dazed, but this meant they were the very first Allied soldiers to step onto French soil on D-Day. Their landing was key to capturing the bridge quickly.
Life After the War
After the war ended, Jim Wallwork worked as a salesman. In 1956, he moved to British Columbia, Canada. There, he ran a small farm with livestock (farm animals) east of Vancouver.
