Arnhem Umbrella: Major Digby Tatham Warter DSO

Description

Operation Market Garden was Major Digby Tatham Warter's first action. As the OC of 'A' Company, 2 Para, he led the advance to the Arnhem road bridge, brushing aside German resistance to reach the objective. Over the course of the next four days, Digby - a well-known eccentric - enhanced his reputation further by displaying solid leadership and a fearlessness that left everyone who witnesses it in awe. Picking up an umbrella and bowler hat from one of the houses, Tatham Warter strolled around the perimeter oblivious to shot and shell, instilling confidence in his men and inspiring them to battle on in the face of overwhelming odds. Wounded and captured at the battle's end, Digby escaped and linked up with the Dutch Resistance. For weeks he strutted around the area disguised as a deaf and dumb Dutchman to fool the Germans. He collected over hundred paratroopers ('evaders') and forged a plan to lead them through enemy lines to safety. His post-war years are just as exciting. This is his story.

Neil Thornton is the author of a number of military history books. His Fonthill Media titles include Rorke's Drift: A New Perspective, Led by Lions: MPs and Sons who fell in the First World War, For Conspicuous Gallantry: Military Cross Holders of the First World War and Todger - the biography of VC recipient Thomas Alfred Jones VC, DCM. Thornton lives in Runcorn, Cheshire, with his wife and daughter. He is a life-long member of the Arnhem 1944 Fellowship.