James Hill, Brigadier, Third Parachute Brigade of the Sixth Airborne Division. ©
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Read this introduction to James Hill's story, then listen to him describe his experiences, using the links at the foot of this page.

James Hill was 33 on D-Day and he commanded the Third Parachute Brigade, Sixth Airborne Division. Over 2,000 men were under his orders during the landing of Normandy.

Hill was parachuted in to the flooded valley of the Deve - which cost him a delay of four and a half hours. On the way to Brigade headquarters, he and some comrades came under fire from German planes, and 18 of them were killed.

Hill was one of only two survivors of the attack. Subsequently, he managed to get to the divisional headquarters in Renville, where he learned that the Brigade had achieved its objectives.

Still before 1pm, Hill was submitted to a surgical operation, due to a wound suffered on the road. He says 6 June 1944 was the Sixth Airborne Division's 'big day', despite of heavy losses. His brigade started the day with 2,200 troops, but finished with '700, at the most'.

After D-Day, Hill was taken to a hospital in Britain, and afterwards fought in the Ardennes, Holland and Germany before leaving the Army.

	'Hit by a bomb' Play audio Read transcript

	'Dawn on D-Day' Play audio Read transcript

	'Having an operation' Play audio Read transcript

	'Don't spill the tea' Play audio Read transcript
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