7th Battalion (LI) Parachute Regiment

Dear All,
My grandad served with 7 Para Light Infantry during the 2nd world war, and took part in the raid on Pegasus Bridge.

I am looking for anyone that may have any photos of my Grandad during his time of service....his name was Walter Dyton, and from what I gather he served from 42/43 until 1946.

I currently only have 2 photos of him during this period, both are photos of the company before and after the conflict...as you can imagine one is a lot smaller then the other.

He passed away last year so I am now left with many wonderful stories but not many pictures...I am taking my mum over the Normandy in June this year....if any other members of 7 Para from this era are about then let me know because we would love to meet up and hear your stories.
Dan

 

Dan,

Have you heard of the book 'The Tale of Two Bridges'? It is based on the diary of the CO of the 7th in 1944 the aptly named Pine-Coffin.....had a quick look to see if there was a Dyton in the brief index but no joy....however it may give you useful background info.....it deals with the Btns time in Normandy.....and also includes other people's accounts.....a minor classic IMHO.....

 

Dan,

Have you heard of the book 'The Tale of Two Bridges'? It is based on the diary of the CO of the 7th in 1944 the aptly named Pine-Coffin.....had a quick look to see if there was a Dyton in the brief index but no joy....however it may give you useful background info.....it deals with the Btns time in Normandy.....and also includes other people's accounts.....a minor classic IMHO.....

 

The aptly named above LT.COL.Geoffrey Pine-Coffin DSO MC, has a grandson Michael Pine-Coffin, who is a member of this forum not only, has he posted some very helpful info ref on 7 Para, but he is also writing a book.And I could not agree more with Medic, on the book A Tale Of Two Bridges and his humble opinion is quite worth taking note of

 

The book came out in November 2003 and doesn't seem to have an ISBN.....I know Peter pine-Coffin was involved with it...not sure of his relationship to Michael......not a common surname either!

I have copy nunber 260 out of 1000.....I suppose the family have number 1

 

Hello, Dan

Welcome to the Forum.

7th Parachute Battalion was raised from 10th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry. The Battalion reinforced the Ox & Bucks after the bridges had been taken and acted as a defence force in and around Le Port and Benouville.

Steve W.

 

Hi Medic, Peter is Michaels Father.

 

Dan,
At least two ex members of the battalion have told me that they will be going to Normandy this year, look out for the green diamond patch behind the cap badge. Only the 7th Battalion wore this patch.

I believe that your grandfather was a L/Sgt in 3 Platoon after Normandy. There is some confusion with the spelling of the name, I am hoping that you might be able to clear this matter up.

There were two Dyton's in the battalion, the other man spelt his name Deighton. I have a Sgt Deighton as being in A Company 3 Platoon for the Ardennes Campaign.PRI roll shows 5681988 L/Sgt Dyton Walter N.O.K. wife M.A. Dyton 16 Southey Road Brixton SW 9. The other Deighton Pte 14984759 completed parachute course B150,on 08/02/1945. So I believe that the spelling of the name is wrong as Deighton did not join the battalion until just before Operation Varsity.

I have no record of DYTON jumping on Op Varsity, Suspect that he was wounded in the Ardennes as 3 platoon had several men killed and injured in the Ardennes. In fact there were not many survivors from A Company. Many were killed or injured on D-Day in Benouville and on the drop on Op Varsity.

How many men are in the smaller photograph? I Know that 2 plt had a picture taken before D-Day, this is the only platoon photograph that I know about, it is possible that the rest of A Company also had a picture taken.

Yours
Michael

 

It is great to see a forum that is for the 7th (L.I) Btn Parachute Regiment, I have read with much zest all the posts and thought it would be right to add something I would like help on if you can please.....

I am trying to get hold of any information on my own Father who also served with the Battalion. Private Arthur (Timber) Wood 14002827 No 2 Platoon "A" Company.
He was wounded January 1945 at a place called Wavrille in the Belgian Ardennes, he had the lower part of his right leg blown off by a land mine. This of course ended his Airborne career, but all of his life he was a Para through and through. Alas he died after a long battle with Renal failiure in 1982 aged 54, so I didn't get to ask the questions I needed to unfortunately.
Can anyone help with information, or photos. Can Michael give me any assistance as to his wounding and service with the Battalion??
I can be reached directly on my email geoff.wood@sunwin.co.uk

Many, many Thanks, keep up the good work and history of the "lost Battalion"
Cheers Geoff

 

Hi Geoff

I have been reading with interest your info request re 7 Batallation

My granddad, was in the 7TH (LI) Parachute Batallion and formed part of the original A company, he was a Bren gunner, I would recommend you visit Normandy, especially Pegasus Bridge and go to the Cafe there, it is filled with lots and lots of Parachute regiment, and the owner, who was a little girl at the time of the D-Day cannot praise the Para’s, and in particular 7th (LI) enough.

I am trying to get out there again this year in June, June 2009 was fantastic as it was the 65th Anniversary of D-Day and current serving members of the Para’s dropped in, over the Meville a few miles from the bridge

A fantastic site

 

Not sure how helpful this is but I was checking Walter Dyton on my family tree. Seeking more info on parents and possibly I may come across background that might be interesting in due course.

Roy Dyton