Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The original R.A.F. Pilot’s Flying Log Books appertaining to Staff Sergeant F. M. Hudson, Glider Pilot Regiment, who landed a Horsa glider with elements of the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade at Arnhem on 19 September 1944, comprising R.A.F. Form 414 types (2), covering the period August 1942 to March 1944, and April 1944 to July 1945, generally in good condition (2) £400-500

A pre-war Territorial in 5th Field Training Regiment, Royal Artillery, Hudson served in the 77th Highland Field Regiment, R.A. from March 1940 to July 1942, and most likely saw action with the B.E.F. Transferring to the Glider Pilot Regiment in the latter month, he qualified on Hotspurs and Horsas and, on 19 September 1944, piloted a Horsa of ‘G’ Squadron out of R.A.F. Fairford to Arnhem with elements of the 1st Polish Parachute Brigade. Of this operation, The History of the Glider Pilot Regiment, by Claude Smith, states:

‘The third lift to Arnhem comprised thirty-six Horsas which became airborne just after 1200 hours on the 19th bound for LZ ‘L' with elements of the Polish Parachute Brigade, and seven Horsas and one Hamilcar which had not completed their journeys on the previous two days for various reasons and were now bound for LZ 'X'. The take-off had again been delayed, this time because of low cloud in England, and en route two of the Horsas were shot down by flak, eleven had broken tow-ropes, and two returned to base due to the tugs developing engine trouble. Those that did arrive found that the LZs were now in enemy hands, and heavy opposition was encountered. The gliders were subjected to ground fire before they were fully unloaded and many were burned out in groups by mortar fire.’

Of events on the ground, Smith continues:

‘The original plan was that the glider pilots should initially remain with the loads they had carried and be responsible for the defence of both Divisional and Brigade Headquarters. As soon as the situation had stabilized they were to go into reserve until such time as they could be withdrawn completely from the action. It was realized, however, by the afternoon of the 19th, that this was an impossibility as they were all heavily engaged with the enemy. Some were holding various sectors of the perimeter while others were still with the gun crews they had carried. In that perimeter the glider pilots fought alongside the rest of the Division for the remainder of the action; one of them, Lieutenant M. D. K. Dauncey, with such outstanding gallantry that he was subsequently recommended for the Victoria Cross ... ’

Clearly one of those to evade capture, Hudson ended the War out in the Middle East after converting to Waco gliders of No. 669 Squadron.