The LEGENDARY British Para Who Fought the SS with an Umbrella at Arnhem

#Arnhem80 - 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 man’s 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 - brought to life in a script written by my good friend Neil Thornton.
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[@redcoathistory]

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 - redcoathistory.com/newsletter/ - thanks again and let's keep these stories alive for future generations. Chris.

[@DraigBlackCat]

Fantastic tribute to an officer who's leadership and fighting qualities are deminished by the portrayal in A Bridge Too Far. It is very satisfying to see his story put straight.

[@user-yn9ss4kv8p]

Best video on the story of Digby I've ever seen. Well done chaps.

[@theblackprince1346]

Fantastic story, thanks Chris. Listened to it as a podcast a few days ago but watched it again for the algorithm. The sheer guts of guys like him is an inspiration to us all. Reminds me of one of my dad's old mates who landed just after D Day and carried a PIAT. He used to say his CO always went into battle wearing a pair of slippers.

[@Western_Pesto]

I did a history project on Op Market Garden at school, and I know Digby's story! I consequently joined the Royal Green Jackets on leaving school.. If he was Ox and Bucks, I'll claim him, as we were all bonkers! 😂 What an amazing story. Im now an avid fan of this channel

[@richarddepledge960]

Brilliant and timely tribute to the very best. RIP to all the Airborne that fell. Every man an emperor.

[@davey1602]

My god some people are crazy... in the finest traditions of the British army of course. Well done Chris and thank you for brining the movie character to life

[@FranciscoPreira]

Another great work about a less known story, thanks for sharing.

[@johnquach8821]

Fighting with an umbrella in World War II is that unique combination of funny and awesome! I'm glad this was covered because I would have never heard of it otherwise.

[@Hullabaloo478]

Great episode- that scene in a bridge too far is one of my favorites as well.

[@lajoszlatos3285]

Such a great story about a great man & soldier!!! Thank You!!!

[@Captain-l2p]

What a great video.always had an affection for the character in bridge to far. Really enjoyed this one. Thank you.

[@andrewpickering8160]

Your insight and understanding brings everyone of the same calibre together irrespective of class 👊

[@RobinHullBuilds]

What a smashing fellow with a fabulous story!

[@NoManClatuer-pd8ck]

Really enjoyed this content. Digby is what we'd call, "a helluva guy".

[@swampyankee]

It's always fascinated me how different people react to a crises. I witnessed a fellow shipmate that I thought could do anything and was tough as nails completely fall apart during a rescue... you just never know.

[@RonMcCarville]

As usual, a great story well told! Thanks again!!

[@redcoathistory]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@IanMichaelWright]

Really interesting insight. Thank you.

[@zopEnglandzip]

Absolutely top drawer mate cheers.

[@kiwigrunt330]

That reminds me. I need to watch the movie again this week.

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

I remember hearing that some officers (I can't remember which ones) were disappointed with A Bridge to Far, specifically with the officers running about and seeking cover. "A British officer doesn't run."

[@guywillson1549]

Thank you for the story well told. Most likely the major would have been helped and fed by my mother who was in Bill de Boer's undergrond cell. My mum's code name was Gonnie. I took mum to the 70th commemoration of Market Garden, probably the best thing I did for her because she was so touched by being among all the vets. Mum was given the Mobilisasie Oorlogs Kruise by General Maarten Kruif. After the Germans forced the evacuation of the natives of Arnhem she went to Lunteren there she was betrayed arrested by the Gestapo, beaten up, tortured and sentenced to be shot by the firing squad. They threw her into a single locker in the cellar of the Wormshoef, Gestapo HQ. Terrified but as a believing Christian she called on the Lord and a light shone in the locker telling she would not be shot. Sure enough, the Germans forgot about her and a few days later the Canadians who were mopping up remaining Germans took the Wormshoef after a brief firefight in which the SS ran off back to Germany. All this was in March 1945. Mum was always good at languages and she was required by British Intelligence as an interpreter. Given officer status she was allowed to dine in the officer's mess and that is were she met my father Capt. T.G.Willson.

[@redcoathistory]

A wondeful story - many thanks for sharing.

[@RecklessRick]

I met him when I was in 1 para and we went to Kenya in 1988 and I was reading A Bridge Too Far for the first time

[@IterativeTheoryRocks]

You talked me into it. I’ve subscribed. Marvellous story - very well told.

[@Imager8-s4c]

I met him in March 1991. We were on exercise in Kenya and a handful of officers were invited to lunch at his bungalow just outside Nanyuki. The house and garden, next to a river, were just like a cottage back home - except for the corrugated iron roof! The living room was scattered with copies of Country Life. His charming wife entertained us until he joined us for lunch. He arrived in a silk dressing gown and cravat. We chatted about a whole range of things but not the War - mainly Kenya I think. He enjoyed himself and was cracking jokes but it was clear he was not well. I can’t remember what exactly was wrong with him but the word ‘emphysema’ comes to mind. We all enjoyed a splendid lunch highlighted by a delicious steak and kidney pie followed by homemade cheese and biscuits. After coffee he grew tired and toddled off back to bed. I only learned later exactly who he was and what he had done. A remarkable man. As I was a fellow infantry officer, it was a privilege to have met him.

[@jlmfoy365]

What a bloke, it's mad buggers like this that makes us proud to be British.

[@meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee2]

In some ways you have to feel sorry for the Germans, they entered WW2 all set up to fight an efficient logical modern war. Then ended up fighting a country that just did not take it seriously and came up with endless ridiculous stunts and crazy ideas. From Jack Churchill with his sword and Bow and Arrow, more different special forces than you could shake a Mauser at, bouncing bombs, exploding destroyers, to the use of a 32,000 ton 15" gunned destroyer at Narvick.

[@skylongskylong1982]

Another superb video. Many decades ago I read a book called the Amateur Commandos. A strange story about army dentists who stole a English fishing boat went to France a blow up a railway line. Not sure how much of the story was true, so might make a good video.

[@V.B.Squire]

Mad Jack Churchill Commandos, carried highland claymore and bow and arrow with confirmed kills.

[@robertwrightson6455]

An old friend of mines dad was at The Bridge at Arnhem, a Scot called McGiven. I met him once at his house and noticed the Para regimental photos on the wall so quizzed him and he was very forthcoming. He told me he was at the Bridge with Frost and after days of fighting he and a mate decided to bailout. They tried to jump a garden wall but a mortar knocked them over and they were captured by the SS. He said they were treated very well by the Germans who asked them where they got the alcohol from to which they replied 'what alcohol?' The Germans assumed the Paras were drunk, if only McGiven said. I was so proud to meet him and will never forget him.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

Simply brilliant Chris and Neil....loved it. Such an inspirational character

[@PaxAlotin-j6r]

*I've always believed in the utility of the umbrella* The army should consider designing one for military field use. It not only provides protection from the elements such as sun or rain - It also makes an emergency shelter and can be used to collect water - among other things.

[@ChrisWilletts]

Brilliant episode!!! Well done. Make a T shirt with Digby on it and I'm in... Keep up the good work

[@DidierDidier-kc4nm]

Great ! this time ,not red coat but red beret , the best, whatever the country . I watched many times a bridge too far , a great generation of men ! thank you Mate .

[@kristianmoore6682]

The only word is legend for man of men like that

[@outpostraven]

Love your content

[@liverpoolscottish6430]

Nobody does 'eccentric' as well as the English. D-T-W is a classic example. Posh, well educated, mad as a box of frogs and hard as coffin nails. Top Bloke.

[@allanburt5250]

What a guy, I can see how the lads would follow him lol a sense of humour and courage in abundance

[@jon9021]

Top bloke!

[@neiljohansson9858]

I remember him from Nanyuki in Kenya. Interesting fellow!

[@chrisjones6736]

Were you there long? We had family friends called Lloyd who farmed in Kenya but left soon after Independence. Also knew farmers called Cross, who left in the 60's

[@aebirkbeck2693]

Being a heavy smoker on oxygen you mentioned it was a sad end? No!! he could have quit smoking and try and live a bit longer but no he carried on smoking and died. He went the way he lived doing what he liked no compromises, what a man.

[@neilthornton4606]

He did move from cigarettes to a pipe, but when he continued to get worse he stopped altogether. His family told me they knew something was seriously wrong when he went off his whiskey.

[@callummorrison6153]

Thank you, and I really enjoyed the energy and detail of the host's delivery. Redcoat History seems a great channel for those interested in militaria, and historical world events. c

[@johnd8137]

Balls of British Steel

[@frederickschwarz246]

Liked & Subscribed!! Semper Fidelis 🙏💯

[@PaulStevens-z8b]

My mum's cousin was killed at Arnhem when the Germans bombed the field hospital. He was with the glider pilot regiment.

[@NickWhittingham-s5z]

Hello, I love this channel. Have you any information on the Artists Rifles and their connection with special forces?

[@WolfKnight-y3v]

This gent sounds like a para to me lol most of the paras I know are all barking I love your documentary s thank you so much keep up the good work and thank you for your service 👍🐺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@ranulfwulfric6595]

Thank you

[@andyshaw5378]

Great video. Listened to the podcast but wanted to leave a comment on KZbin. Fascinating stuff.

[@user-mc4sq3fk5d]

Being an American fan of the channel, any thoughts on doing an episode on Field Marshal Sir John Dill. The only “Redcoat” buried at our most famous national cemetery-Arlington.

[@TobiasAdamson-cm9jm]

I think you will find that Ord Wingate is there too.

[@user-mc4sq3fk5d]

Well, I learned something today. Thank you in fact, that seems to be a very interesting fellow and back story.

[@anthonywoollcombe9767]

Digby was in the book “A Bridge Too Far” but the author had only came across him a bit later, in his research. A truly great soldier in the best tradition of the British Army. Look at the country now…it makes you weep.

[@Hew.Jarsol]

This needs a film to be made after it

[@frederickschwarz246]

Digety for Digby!!! At Sandhurst the emphasis on setting a Courageous Example is still alive

[@howelltaylor6774]

Makes me proud to be British even though Im an American!

[@davidhoughton273]

You are welcome to be a honorary Brit.

[@terenceballands1374]

Fantastic!

[@IMeanMachine101]

A bridge to far was the start of my love for military history I was 8 when I watched it

[@chrisstewart7420]

What a family. Most of us would've given Digby a VC, not a DSO, but I suppose he didn't die😅 I salute you, sir, as a true Brit ❤❤

[@user-tp1bi6of3v]

Glad you told his story. A very valiant lad indeed. Nice touch of using an American movie wild west brawl sequence in the telling of this story. He probably would have fit in well in the American wild west. Cheers from across the pond !!!!

[@reynardthefox]

Great Stuff ! Cheers to Digby !

[@Jubilo1]

Superb video! Thanks Parkinson-Parkinson...

[@philhawley1219]

I live only 200 yards from Digby TW's old home. Shropshire produces great eccentric characters (check out Mad Jack Mytton and Hugh Kennedy). He referred to polo as Snobs Hockey. Furthermore at Arnhem amidst a hail of bullets he ran to the doorway of a house, two German other ranks beat him there by a second but seeing such a forceful officer approaching they stepped back, stood to attention and saluted him as he passed by with his arse hanging out of his trousers after a close shave with shrapnel. Obviously this bit was missed out of the film as being beyond believable.

[@simonarran3650]

Unabashedly eccentric Englishman are, without a doubt, the absolute bloody best. Proper bobby dazzlers!

[@shanemossmoss]

Definitely one of your best videos well done 👍

[@Warloo100]

What an impreeive character.

[@EugeneMurray-z1b]

'Look it! Why do you always carry that blasted unbrella around with you? 'Bad memory Password Johnny... Always forgetting the password... Jerry would never carry one, you see'

[@neiljohansson9858]

Maybe do a video on another legend who was still flying at the age of 92. Air Commodore "Daddy"Probyn. He also died in 1992 in Nanyuki Kenya. I remember him well as he used the runway by our farm in Mweiga. A very interesting Man as well, was flying his home built aircraft.

[@cameronsimpson-ld8nk]

I can't help but thinking a DSO for a months worth of fighting and E&E should have been a DSO for the September fighting, then maybe a bar to the DSO or at least a MC for the Rhine crossing in October

[@neilthornton4606]

Absolutely correct Cam. I thought the exact same thing and actually said to his family that his actions at the bridge alone warranted the DSO, and so too did his work with the underground and in planning Operation Pegasus. I can only assume that the one award was due to everything being one continuous 'action', whereas if there had been a gap he may have scooped two awards.

[@henrikmelder379]

You are doing a fantastic job. But need to tell the Redcoat story of Ceylon..

[@stanboyd5820]

I don't know why but the British soldier adores an officer they think is mad. Plenty of examples exist, like "Mad Jack Churchill" . "Mad" officers became legend among their troops. and the posher the more admired.

[@MarkBridger-u9b]

Public School posh boys at 4.46....I knew a bloke who served in the FFL...and he said some of these Public School types were the toughest he met....being at boarding schools from age 8 ..probabley contributed to this.

[@british_history_guy]

Hey great video have you done a video on Jack Churchill by any chance?

[@redcoathistory]

Thanks a lot - not yet but will add to my list.

[@mmjj1310]

I met Digby's widow and daughters in Malindi, Kenya, in 2006. His wife told me that he was carrying the umbrella because a para lieutenant colleague of his had come up a staircase earlier in the battle at Arnhem and said to his men at the top “alright?” - they thought he said “Kamerad” and that he was German and killed him, so Digby found an umbrella in a house and said “I’m the chap with the umbrella, so identify me that way and don’t shoot me please”. Very brave guy. After the war in Kenya with his wife they pioneered photographic safaris. She told me they were in bed one night and a spitting cobra appeared in their bedroom. She said that he was terrified and leapt on top of the chest of draws and it was left to her to sort out the cobra, she said “so much for my war hero husband....!" quite funny.

[@neilthornton4606]

Good stuff. His daughter, Jo, told me something similar when I stayed with them whilst researching for the book. It was Major Wallis (who Digby replaced as Battalion CO) who was shot and killed by his own men. Jo told me that Wallis had called out when challenged and had replied that he was 'second in command' or 'in command' or similar, and that the word 'command' had been mistakenly for 'komrade', so he was shot. It was at that point that Digby was given command of the battalion and equipped himself with the umbrella.

[@mmjj1310]

@@neilthornton4606 I stand corrected on that important detail, it was Major Wallis then who was killed by friendly fire, thank you. His widow also told me that upon his escape and return Digby was able to give his account of the battle that led to a posthumous VC being awarded based on Digby's first hand account and witnessing the action, it could have Lieutenant John Hollington Grayburn VC's medal I think.

[@neilthornton4606]

​@@mmjj1310​@mmjj1310 yes, spot on. It was because of Digby that Grayburn got the VC. I interviewed Private Morgan who was with Grayburn when he was mortally wounded. When there was just the two of them left under the bridge itself and with them surrounded by infantry and with a German tank directly in front of them, Grayburn grabbed Morgan's shoulder and shouted, 'It's Time to go Lad!' Grayburn was hit by the tank as they ran across the road. I commissioned a painting of the scene for the book (artist: Steve Noon). The painting is called 'It's Time to go Lad!'

[@mmjj1310]

Very interesting, thank you. It’s amazing the accuracy of what I heard over a drink with his widow and friends on the terrace at Malindi all those years ago, I do hope your book is doing well. His grandson served in Iraq and Afghanistan I believe and proudly watched “A Bridge Too Far” a lot of times growing up - as you can imagine.

[@robertwrightson6455]

Ordered the book too.

[@andrewflindall9048]

Pedant alert: Queen's Crown on the badge on the thumbnail!

[@rumoursofwar4624]

I always get the impression 1 AB DIV was made up of lots of private armies full of eccentric types who just want to fight without much central cohesion or strategy. As compared to 6 AB DIV that is.

[@apurvnandy3077]

i dont remember the story, but some army officer went to fight with a scottish claymore during ww2

[@lonesheepdog6337]

The man you're thinking of is 'mad jack' Churchill. He also got the last recorded kill with a longbow in war. In ww2, he took out a German sentry with a longbow to signal the start of the attack.

[@apurvnandy3077]

@@lonesheepdog6337 which unit or regiment did he belong??

[@johnl2445]

​@@apurvnandy3077 I think he ended up in a Commando Unit who raided Occupied France just after Dunkirk.

[@lonesheepdog6337]

​@apurvnandy3077 if you search youtube for 'mad jack' you'll see his story. It's actually crazy. If he was American, Hollywood would have made dozens of films about him

[@steveforster9764]

Commands

[@MC14may]

Great story

[@brokenbridge6316]

Fun Fact: The scene in the movie "A Bridge Too Far" were Digby is talking to that German with the white flag almost didn't happen. Originally the movie makers wanted Frost's character to speak to that German in refusing the surrender. But someone in the know about Frost. I forgot who it was. Persuaded the movie makers to change the scene into what it became. I forget the reasons why. But I think it wouldn't have been an authentic look at Frost. Well that's what I remember.

[@neilthornton4606]

Frost was an on-set advisor and it was Frost himself who had the scene changed. Originally, he was meant to meet the German commander under the bridge and have the discussion face-to-face.

[@brokenbridge6316]

@@neilthornton4606---Really. Makes sense. Thanks.

[@YARROWS9]

Think the General in command there, was running around with a sten gun shooting at Germans. Unreal.

[@mikew.8925]

Apologies but I disagree . There was/is no sad end to such a life . That was a life well lived if you ask me .

[@adienowed6366]

Too damn right!

[@thisisnumber0]

You need to back that film clip up a bit to get the joke, the missing first part is the key. The kraut was offering to ACCEPT a para surrender, not surrendering himself.

[@keithlillis7962]

I'm English, but I don't think getting pissed and fighting are admirable traits. On holiday is Spain one year, I happened to start chatting to a young woman who made amazing sand sculptures on the beach for small donations of cash. She asked me with genuine bewilderment in her voice: "Why is it always the English who smash my sand sculptures?". I did not have an answer, other than to apologise. Also, Arnhem was a completed disaster for the brave paras, with around 5000 casualties.

[@brokenbridge6316]

This guy's story reads like an action adventure story. A bit like a French Soldier in WWI who also couldn't wait to get into the action.

[@copferthat]

By jove sir, jolly good presentation, first class what?

[@AxelPoliti]

And I did read about the battle of Arnheim, and yet the umbrella major escaped me. Imagine that my grandfather got out of the town when the parachutes started opening in the sky...

[@wullieg7269]

TWA heroes buried these years later today Rip

[@DaveAinsworth-y8h]

Mayor John Howard of 2nd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry was originally in The Kings Shorpshire Light Infantry. The KSLI was later in The Light Infantry then in The Rifles.

[@smudd71]

He used to drink at the barely mow in tilford

[@kenattwood8060]

A much better film featuring the Arnhem battles is "Therir's is the Glory,' made on location by the British Army in 1946 - no arctors just veterans of the battle! This is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJqployuobWMr5Y (unfortunately the major isn't featured.)

[@jacquesdhaene2278]

TOP

[@brianfergus839]

Pinky Pinkerton 👍 🇬🇧

[@willtobias5280]

Utrinque Paratus!

[@bobyouel7674]

as far as i can remember the comments made about surrender came from the Sappers in a building on the paras right near/under the bridge on the paras right wing

[@janlindtner305]

👍👍👍

[@TheFunkhouser]

"Not actual CCTV footage" ... hahah ya dont say 😆😆

[@bobyouel7674]

REspect

[@victornewman9904]

I think the bowler is an exaggeration!

[@davey1602]

But how would he know it's time for tiffin, what? ;)

[@phillydelphia8760]

By several accounts, not just Freddie Gough, it is quite true. After all, sartorial elegance is always a concern for a British officer.

[@neilthornton4606]

There's more than one account of him wearing it, albeit only for a short time on the Tuesday. During my research for the book I interviewed one of Digby's men (Private Steve Morgan) who - completely unprompted - told me that when Digby ordered him down from the upper floor of a building to take part in a counter-attack, he was wearing a bowler hat. It was shortlived though, and he soon switched back to his beret (which he preferred in place of his helmet).

[@victornewman9904]

@@davey1602 As a gentlemen. he would know.

[@brianford8493]

Walked that ground as a child many times.....the gongs should have been given out in truckloads there....a brilliant documentary by Clarkson about his father in law's VC says everything about What it takes to land the VC on one's chest.... Brilliant ta chap!✌️

[@HumairaAhamed-u4h]

Davis Anthony Taylor Edward Lewis Melissa

[@davidfindlay878]

Jeez - Digby looks like H!

[@philippabaker1078]

What a great video!