Paratrooper Ted, 86, proud to tell his story
Reporter: Marina Berry
Date published: 14 January 2010
A FORMER Oldham war veteran features in a book which centres on the lives of men who fought in the Battle of Arnhem.
Ted Clague and his comrades were tracked down by Dutch author Haks Walburgh Schmidt for his book, “No Return Flight, 13 Platoon at Arnhem 1944”.
It tells the story of the search for the paratroopers who were aboard a huge Horsa glider which flew into the Second World War battle on September 18, 1944.
The pilots of the British glider wished their passengers good luck in their race for the Arnhem bridges, and they went their separate ways.
More than half a century later, one of the pilots, Sergeant Morley “Taffy” Williams, met the Dutch journalist during a commemoration of the battle, who responded to his plea for help in finding out what happened to his passengers.
Mr Clague (86) was tracked down during a six-year investigation, and the result is a collection of captivating stories from the men, as well as the rekindling of long-lost friendships.
Each of the men involved were presented with a copy of the book by the author at the 65th anniversary commemorations last year.
They were among around 100 surviving paratroopers who travelled to Holland to remember their 1,500 comrades who died in the Dutch city in 1944.
Mr Clague told the Chronicle: “I go to Arnhem every five years. There are only three of us who were featured in the book left now, and it’s very emotional.”
The grandfather-of-two added: “I am very proud to be in the book.
“It’s been a sell out in Holland, and my friends and family who have read it here are all pleased with it.”
Mr Clague met his late wife, Elsie, who was from Oldham, as he prepared for demobilisation at an army base in Stanley Park, Blackpool.
They came back to live in Oldham, where he spent his working life as a joiner, eventually owning his own workshop, and the couple had a son, Doug, who lives in Dobcross with his wife, Carol.
Mr Clague and his wife retired to a caravan park in Blackpool, where they met Royton pensioner Annie Tarlington and became firm friends.
Mrs Tarlington, who has read the book, said: “It was fascinating to read, I just couldn’t put it down.
“I had no idea what Ted had done for his country, he never brags about it.
“I was only about 10 years old when all this happened and when I read the book I thought he really is a man and a half.”
She added: “Ted goes to Arnhem on the anniversary of the battle every five years and no-one knows about that either, he just tells people he is going on holiday.”
