ARNHEM 2-4 MAY 2014 John H. Grayburn VC (30 Jan 1918 - 20 Sep 1944) A Tribute on the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem from Chiltern Rugby FC ohn ‘ Jack ’ Hollington Grayburn was born on Manora Island, India, on J30 January 1918. However, the family soon returned to England and settled at Roughwood Farm, Chalfont St. Giles. Jack and both of his brothers were educated at Sherborne School in Dorset. Although bright, he was not academically inclined, preferring his chosen sports of rugby and boxing. From 1927, Jack played for Chiltern Rugby FC during the school holidays and continued to represent them when he left Sherborne School in 1936, playing his last First XV game on 17 April 1939. Shortly before WW2 began, Jack joined 1st (London) Cadet Force, Queen's Royal Regiment, but he was later transferred to Ox & Bucks Light Infantry. In 1942, he met and married Marcelle Chambers, a secretary at the Headquarters staff, with whom he had a son, John. Jack , once described as a “belligerent individual”, was frustrated by years of inaction on the home front and so in early 1943 he joined 2nd Battalion, 1st Parachute Brigade, commanding 2 Platoon, ‘A’ Company. Chiltern RFC 1st XV 1938-39: John H. Grayburn (standing far right) BATTLE OF ARNHEM The Battle of Arnhem was part of Operation Market Garden, an attempt by the Allies to secure a string of bridges across Netherlands. At Arnhem, the British 1st Airborne Division and Polish 1st Independent Parachute Brigade were tasked with securing bridges across the Lower Rhine, the final and furthest objectives of the operation. However, the airborne forces that dropped were not aware that 9th and 10th SS Panzer divisions were also near Arnhem for rest and refit. Their presence added substantially to the German defences and the Allies suffered heavily in the ensuing battle. Only a small force managed to hold one end of the Arnhem bridge before being overrun. The rest of the division became trapped west of the bridge in Oosterbeek and had to be evacuated. The Allies failed to cross the Rhine, which remained under German control until Allied offensives in March 1945. For his part in the Battle of Arnhem, John Grayburn was awarded the Victoria Cross , the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry - please read the official Gazzette citation overleaf. PROGRAMME OF EVENTS Friday 2 May 2014 - travel to Arnhem, Official Dinner Saturday 3 May2014 - Tribute to John H. Grayburn VC Airborne Museum “Hartenstein” Chiltern RFC XV v Arnhem RC Chiltern Under 15 v Arnhem Under 16 The London Gazette War Office, 25th January, 1945. The KING has been graciously pleased to On 19th September, 1944, the enemy renewed approve the posthumous award of the his attacks, which increased in intensity, as the VICTORIA CROSS to :– house was vital to the defence of the bridge. All Lieutenant John Hollington Grayburn (149002), attacks were repulsed, due to Lieutenant Parachute Regiment, Army Air Corps (Chalfont St. Grayburn’s valour and skill in organising and Giles). encouraging his men, until eventually the house was set on fire and had to be evacuated. For supreme courage, leadership and devotion to duty. Lieutenant Grayburn then took command of elements of all arms, including the remainder of his Lieutenant Grayburn was a platoon commander own company, and re-formed them into a fighting of the Parachute Battalion which was dropped on force. he spent the night organsing a defensive 17th September, 1944, with the task of seizing and position to cover the approaches to the bridge. holding the bridge over the Rhine at Arnhem. On 20th September, 1944, he extended his The North end of the bridge was captured and, defence by a series of fighting patrols which early in the night, Lieutenant Grayburn was prevented the enemy gaining access to the houses ordered to assualt and capture the Southern end in the vicinity, the occupation of which would have with his platoon. He led his platoon on to the prejudiced the defence of the bridge. This forced bridge and began the attack with the utmost the enemy to bring up tanks which brought determination, but the platoon was met by a hail Lieutenant Grayburn’s positions under such heavy of fire from two 20mm. quick firing guns, and from fire that he was forced to withdraw to an area the machine guns of an armoured car. Almost at farther North. The enemy now attempted to lay once Lieutenant Grayburn was shot through the demolition charges under the bridge and the shoulder. Although there was no cover on the situation was critical. Realising this, Lieutenant bridge, and in spite of his wound, Lieutenant Grayburn organised and led a fighting patrol which Grayburn continued to press forward with the drove the enemy off temporarily, and gave time for greatest dash and bravery until casulaties became the fuses to be removed. He was again wounded, so heavy that he was ordered to withdraw. He this time in the back, but refused to be evacuated. directed the withdrawal from the bridge poersonally and was himself the last man to come Finally, an enemy tank, against which Lieutenant off the embankment into comparative cover. Grayburn had no defence, approached so close to his position that it became untenable. He then Later, his platoon was ordered to occupy a house stood up in full view of the tank and personally which was vital to the defence of the bridge and he directed the withdrawal of his men to the main personally organised the occupation of the house. defensive perimeter to which he had been ordered. Throughout the next day and night the enemy He was killed that night. made ceaseless attacks on the house, using not only infantry with mortars and machine guns but also From the evening of September 17th until the tanks and self-propelled guns. The house was very night of September 20th, 1944, a period of over exposed and difficult to defend and the fact that it three days, Lieutenant Grayburn led his men with did not fall to the enemy must be attributed to supreme gallantry and determination. Although in Lieutenant Grayburn’s great courage and inspiring pain and weakened by his wounds, short of food leadership. He constantly exposed himself to the and without sleep, his courage never flagged. There enemy’s fire while moving among, and encouraging, is no doubt that, had it not been for this officer’s his platoon, and seemed completely oblivious to inspiring leadership and personal bravery, the Arnhem danger. bridge could never have been held for this time..