Other elements of the Division housed at the Manor, included the 1st Forward (Airborne) Observation Unit Royal Artillery as can be seen in a remarkable piece of surviving graffiti above what is now the Refectory.
The door to the room above the Refectory lists three names: Corporal England, Corporal Tyler and Corporal Clement. It was Corporal Tyler who helped to make the Pegasus Memorial in the courtyard which can be seen from the room.
This photograph shows Corporal Roy Tyler (left) and Corporal Clements (right) in Norway, 1945. Corporal Tyler left the army as a Major, was awarded an M.B.E and retired to Richmond, North Yorkshire. According to records, Corporal England died in action at Arnhem.
The Manor’s close associations with Arnhem and 1st Airborne Division is depicted in an inscription found during the recent renovation of the Pegasus Tower which proves that the soldiers of the 2nd Battalion who actually made it to the bridge, were walking around this building and these grounds in 1944.
“PRIDE OF THE BRITISH ARMY”
2ND PARACHUTE BATTALION
IST BRIGADE
NORTH AFRICA
SICILY
ITALY
Notes: North Africa, Operation Torch, November 1942; Sicily, Operation Fustian, July 1943; Italy, Operation Slapstick, September 1943
- Watch Dr Edward Bujak talking about the Harlaxton War Graffiti here.
- Dr Edward Bujak lecture on Second War War at Harlaxton.
Harlaxton Manor Archives 