Major T R B Courtney RAMC

[arnhem2280]

Major Courtney was 2 i/c of 133 PFA when he dropped at Arnhem and was captured during the subsequent fighting. He was unusual in that he was probably one of very few Australians present during the battle. After qualifying as a Doctor in Australia in the late 1930's he attempted to join the Australian Army thinking that his skills would be required. He was turned down and immediately travelled to Britian where he joined the British Army and became a very early member of the Airborne Forces.

All the insignia here was worn by him during his time in the British Army during and just after WW2. The two Airborne titles and the Pegasus patch that is not part of the pair were worn by him at Arnhem.

Very unusually he received both the Pacific and France and Germany Stars which for those who are interested in medals will know is a very scarce combination for a member of the Army.

As you can see he was very proud of being Australian.

[Mike B]

Hi Arnhem
Sounds interesting
Sorry - it may just be me, but having problems trying to open the attachments ...
Ah ... got it - click the PDF icon description, then click the little icon that opens bottom left of screen

Great insignia - what a fantastic wing top right of the epaulette image. Not seen anything like that grouping before
You always have great items


All the best
Mike

[JON188]

An awesome set mate and tha is for sharing
Jon

[Mike Jackson]

The chunk of BD blouse is superb! The AUSTRALIA title and the wings are outstanding. Many thanks for sharing the whole collection. Mike

[fougasse1940]

There is a book out that is relevant to this thread: https://www.abebooks.com/signed-firs.../3277565695/bd

Rgds, Thomas

[arnhem2280]

I do have a copy of the book which tells the story of all members of his family who served with the Armed Forces over the years.

The insignia came with much documentation and most importantly his diaries which covered his entire service career. Most importantly, for me was the one that covered his movements during Arnhem and as a POW.

Cheers

Arnhem