ARNHEM OOSTERBEEK WAR CEMETERY

Gelderland

Netherlands

Victoria Cross:

JOHN HOLLINGTON GRAYBURN

Rank: Lieutenant, Service No: 149002, Date of Death: 20/09/1944, Age: 26, Regiment/Service: The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C. 2nd Bn. formerly Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, Awards: V C, Grave Reference 13. C. 11., Son of Lionel Markham Grayburn and Gertrude Grayburn; husband of Dorothy Constance Marcelle Grayburn, of Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire.

Citation: The following details are given in the London Gazette of 23rd January, 1945:- Lt. Grayburn was a platoon commander of the Parachute Battalion which was dropped on September 17th, 1944, with orders to seize and hold the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem. He, with his platoon, was to capture the southern end. Lt. Grayburn was wounded in the shoulder almost immediately, but he directed and pressed the assault until casualties became so heavy that he was ordered to withdraw. Later, he successfully organized the occupation of a house vital to the defence of the bridge. Although heavily attacked throughout the next day and night, thanks to Lt. Grayburn's courage, leadership, and skill in disposing his men, the house was held until it was set on fire on September 19th, and had to be evacuated. Lt. Grayburn then formed a fighting force of elements of all arms, including the remainder of his company. Although wounded again, this time in the back, he refused to be evacuated. When tank attacks, against which he had no defence, finally forced his retreat on September 20th, he stood up in full view of the enemy, and directed the withdrawal of his men to the main defensive perimeter. He was killed that night. For nearly four days, despite pain and weakness from his wounds, shortage of food and lack of sleep, Lt. Grayburn displayed supreme and unflagging gallantry and determination. Without his inspiring leadership the Arnhem bridge could not have been held for so long.

DAVID SAMUEL ANTHONY LORD

Rank: Flight Lieutenant, Service No: 49149, Date of Death: 19/09/1944, Age: 30, Regiment/Service: Royal Air Force 271 Sqdn. Awards: V C, D F C, Grave Reference 4. B. 5., Son of Samuel Beswick Lord, and of Mary Ellen Lord, of Wrexham, Denbighshire.

 Citation: The following details are given in the London Gazette of 13th November 1945:- On September 19th, 1944, Flt. Lieut. Lord was pilot and captain of an aircraft detailed to drop supplies to our troops, who were closely surrounded at Arnhem. For accuracy this had to be done at 900 feet. While approaching the target at 1,500 feet the aircraft was severely damaged and set on fire. Flt. Lieut. Lord would have been justified in withdrawing or even in abandoning his aircraft but, knowing that supplies were desperately needed, he continued on his course. Twice going down to 900 feet under very intense fire, he successfully dropped his containers. His task completed he ordered his crew to abandon the aircraft, making no attempt himself to leave. A few seconds later the aircraft fell in flames, only one of the crew surviving. By continuing his mission in a damaged and burning plane, twice descending to 900 feet to ensure accuracy, and finally by remaining at the controls to give his crew a chance of escape, Flt. Lieut. Lord displayed supreme valour and self-sacrifice.

LIONEL ERNEST QUERIPEL

Rank: Captain, Service No: 108181, Date of Death: 19/09/1944, Age: 24, Regiment/Service: Royal Sussex Regiment attd. 10th Bn. The Parachute Regiment, A.A.C., Awards: V C, Grave Reference 5. D. 8., Son of Leslie Herbert and Sybil Queripel, of Tunbridge Wells, Kent.