Private James Pearman

James Pearman (centre) circa late 1942, aged 21. Nominally of the 1st Border, he was attached to Headquarters 1st Airlanding Brigade, and accompanied their Seaborne Echelon to the continent on the 14th August 1944, later moving up to Nijmegen to meet up with the remnants of the 1st Airborne Division when they were evacuated from Arnhem. On the way he had a lucky escape when the truck in which he was travelling was hit by an 88mm shell, which passed through the driver's door, under the seat and out through the passenger door without exploding. Pearman accompanied the Division to Norway in May 1945, and immediately after landing at their designated airstrip he was supposed to help to secure the area, but he spotted several Me-109's parked on the runway and, as the war was over and nothing untoward was occurring, he decided to try one out for size, but due to his height and bulk became quite stuck in it. Copyright: Paul Lewis.

James Pearman (right), at Liverpool Docks, late 1940's, early 1950's. He is with the same Sergeant from the above photograph. Both men are wearing their red berets. Copyright: Paul Lewis.

James Pearman (bottom right), with other men of the 1st Border. Copyright: Paul Lewis.

Believed to be of the 1st Border, pre-Airborne. Larger image. Copyright: Paul Lewis.

The Liberation of Norway certificate. Copyright: Paul Lewis.

James Pearman's discharge certificate. Copyright: Paul Lewis.

A swastika souvenir obtained in Sicily. Copyright: Paul Lewis.

Insignia and identity discs. The parachute wings are new, but the remainder are believed to be original, and worn in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Arnhem and Norway. Copyright: Paul Lewis.