Latest news with #parachute
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
The most remarkable escape of WWII? SAS soldier's journey to safety through FIVE countries after unit was dropped over occupied Sicily too high and in the wrong place, historian DAMIEN LEWIS reveals
As Roy Bridgeman-Evans drifted down through the moonlit Sicilian sky, he could tell immediately that he and the rest of his men were in serious trouble. They'd been dropped far too high, and the rugged terrain below bore no resemblance to what he'd been told to expect. Worse still, the supply canisters carrying their weapons, food and explosives were nowhere to be seen. It was the evening of Monday 12 July, 1943, and Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, was just three days old. To the south, British and American troops were engaged in brutal combat as they battled to wrestle the island from Axis control. Sicily was more than just a strategic target. It was the gateway to Italy, 'the soft underbelly of Europe' as Churchill famously described it. Opening a new front here was intended to stretch German forces thin, ahead of the ultimate objective - D-Day; the full-scale invasion of Nazi occupied France. But that operation was still a year away. In a mission codenamed Operation Chestnut, Bridgeman-Evans and his team of nine SAS troopers were being parachuted into enemy-held territory to cause havoc and mayhem. Their key objective was to disrupt enemy lines of communication by sabotaging radio installations, destroying fuel dumps and attacking supply lines. But without their all-important drop-canisters packed with their weapons and explosives, their mission was all but doomed from the moment they had dropped - as revealed in my latest book, SAS Great Escapes Four. Jumping from such a height made it near impossible to avoid being spotted by the enemy, while the winds scattered members of the stick - a group of paratroopers dropped from an aircraft – far and wide. By sunrise, Bridgeman-Evans had managed to find four of his men, but enemy forces could be seen closing in. Within hours they were surrounded and forced to surrender, being more or less unarmed as they were. Hailing from Richmond, Surrey, Bridgeman-Evans stood six feet tall, with brown hair and grey eyes. Already a seasoned special forces officer, before the war he'd worked in his father's cigar business. Like so many of his generation, he'd answered the call to serve and do his bit to rid the world of Nazi tyranny. Having been taken captive, he was not the kind of man to accept being a prisoner of war. Like all SAS, he was trained to resist and escape at every opportunity; it was ingrained in them. Interrogated by their Italian captors, and at times bound together with chains, the five 'dangerous' captives were ferried across the Strait of Messina, to mainland Italy. Bridgeman-Evans was already scanning the coastline, searching for a way to break free. Arriving in the town of Gioia Tauro, on Italy's western coast, they were herded into a railway yard to await transport, along with hundreds of other Allied POWs. When their Italian captors were momentarily distracted, Bridgeman-Evans seized the moment. With three of his men, including Sergeant Robert Lodge, aka Rudi Friedlander, a German Jew who was fluent in the enemy's language, they scaled the rail yard's wall and dropped into the shadows beyond. Dressed in SAS jumpsuits, and moving quickly, they were mistaken for a German patrol. Their guise was helped by Lodge jabbering away in German, as the others nodded vigorously and pretended to understand. Slipping along the dark-night coastline, Bridgeman-Evans sought out a tiny fishing village, which he'd spotted from the Italian ship that had brought them here. He'd noted the boats drawn up along the beach. His plan was to steal one, and row across the sea back to Sicily, to rejoin the advancing Allied forces. With bluff and daring to the fore, Lodge managed to use his fluent German to bluff their way across a heavily guarded bridge. Shortly, they reached the clifftop overlooking the beach. From there they watched troops enemy patrolling the sands below, and noted the machine-gun nests menacing the coastline. At sunset, the four men made their move. Silently, they crept down to the beach, their hearts pounding furiously. Italian sentries moved to and fro, but the men stayed low, keeping to the shadows. Shortly, they reached the fishing boat they were aiming for. Under the noses of the enemy and working in silence, they manhandled the vessel to the water's edge and pushed it in. Then disaster struck. In their haste to get moving, the sound of the oars in the rowlocks must have been heard. Moments later the night erupted with gunfire. Machine-gun rounds and rifle fire tore into the wooden hull, churning up the water all around. The only way to escape the murderous onslaught was to dive into the sea. With one man badly injured and the boat sinking, Bridgeman-Evans realised all was lost, and he struck out for shore. He had to stop the Italians from killing them all. As he swam for his life, bullets cut perilously close. Somehow, he reached the beach unscathed, shouting at the Italians to stop firing. The gunfire ceased. The injured man, Private Sharman, was rushed to hospital. For the rest, it was back into captivity. Of course, Bridgeman-Evans remained determined to break free. Taken to a POW camp at Capua, north of Naples, he discovered a kindred spirit in fellow prisoner Frederic Long, an officer of 3 Commando, who had also been captured in Sicily. The two joined in a daring tunnelling escape attempt. But before the underground shaft could be finished, the prisoners were moved on to another POW camp, this one just 120 miles short of the German border. As they were shipped further and further away from Allied lines, Bridgeman-Evans' desire to get free only grew stronger. Split up from the rest of his men – officers and other ranks were separated – September 8 offered another chance to break free. Italy had surrendered to the Allies, and the Italian guards had mostly abandoned their posts. The senior British officer at the camp, Brigadier Mountain, prepared to lead a mass breakout. With the gates unguarded, the prisoners rushed through en masse towards what they hoped would be freedom. But a large body of German troops had arrived to seize control. Spying the breakout, they opened fire. The escape attempt was crushed, with some Britons gunned down. For a third time, Bridgeman-Evans' attempted getaway had been foiled. Days later, the prisoners were on the move again, heading into Nazi Germany. They arrived at their new POW camp, Fort Bismarck, just outside Strasbourg, in north-eastern France. It was a grim, forbidding place that had been garrisoned by the French Army, until France's fall in June 1940. The Germans had converted the fort into a POW camp. Located to the west of the city, most of Fort Bismarck was set underground. Encircled by a dry moat, watchtowers and thick walls topped with razor-sharp barbed wire, it was said to be escape proof. Undeterred, Bridgeman-Evans, and his 3 Commando companion, Fred Long, began plotting their escape. Noticing a blind spot where the wall seemed screened from the guards, they devised a simple yet audacious plan, gaining the all-important backing of the camp's escape committee. On the evening of October 1, 1943, they scaled the wall, being screened by other prisoners who'd crowded all around, after which they dropped to the far side, slipping into bushes at the side of the guardhouse. 'The whole thing took about a minute,' Bridgeman-Evans would later recall. There they lay, awaiting nightfall, and being forced to lay stock still as guard dogs passed close by. As darkness fell, they stole away, heading deeper into France and further from Allied lines. But Bridgeman-Evans and Long had a plan: they'd seek out sympathetic locals, and make their way to Britain via France, Spain and Gibraltar. They had one major advantage: Bridgeman-Evans was married to a French woman, and he was pretty much fluent in the language. With help from friendly farmers, they managed to contact the French Resistance who had links to what was known as the Burgundy Escape Line – a well-established route for getting downed Allied airmen and escaped POWs back to Britain. Disguised as French civilians, they were on their way - first by train to Paris, and then south to the Pyrenees, dodging Gestapo patrols and SS checkpoints, and with their Resistance comrades risking all if they were unmasked. After a gruelling crossing over the snowbound mountains, the two men would finally make it to Gibraltar and, from there, back to Britain. In the process of escaping, Bridgeman-Evans had crossed five countries, covered thousands of miles on foot, by bicycle, truck, train, tunnel and boat, yet made it despite all the odds. Bridgeman-Evans embodied the spirit and essence of the SAS. From the moment of his capture, he refused to resign himself to spending the rest of the war as a POW. He constantly sought a means of escape, no matter the odds, driven by a fierce determination to make it back to Allied lines and get back into the fight. The full story is told in Damien Lewis's latest book, SAS Great Escapes Four, published by Quercus Books and available now. SAS Daggers Drawn has just been published in paperback by Quercus at £9.95.
Sky News
22-05-2025
- Sky News
'No reason to suspect equipment failure' in fatal skydive, inquest told
There was "no reason to suspect equipment failure" after a woman died while skydiving, an inquest has heard. Jade Damarell died after crashing onto farmland in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, on 27 April. At a brief inquest opening hearing on Thursday, coroner's officer Alexis Blighe told the court Ms Damarell was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and lived in Caerphilly, South Wales. Ms Blighe said she understood the 32-year-old was "involved in a parachute incident on 27 April". A post-mortem examination found that she had died as a result of "blunt trauma". The court heard the body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at the skydiving firm Ms Damarell used. Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield asked Ms Blighe: "There's no reason to suspect equipment failure?" Ms Blighe replied: "No reason at all." The inquest was adjourned until 21 August. After her death, her family had told reporters: "Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected and deeply loved she was. "We miss her beyond words but Jade's love, brilliance, courage and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her." Following Ms Damarell's death, Sky-High Skydiving, which is based at Shotton airfield, said: "It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community."
Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Telegraph
Skydiver who fell to her death did not have a broken parachute, inquest hears
A skydiver's parachute was not broken when she fell to her death, an inquest hearing was told. Marketing manager Jade Damarell, 32, died after crashing onto farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, County Durham on April 27. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe was told 'there was no reason to suspect equipment failure' at a brief inquest opening hearing in Crook, County Durham. The court heard that Ms Damarell was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong, and lived in Caerphilly, Wales. Ms Blighe said: 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27.' According to a post-mortem examination carried out by Dr James Henry at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle, she had died as a result of 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said the body was identified by Bryn Chaffe who was chief instructor at the skydiving firm she used. Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield asked Ms Blighe: 'There's no reason to suspect equipment failure?' Ms Blighe replied: 'No reason at all.' Mr Chipperfield adjourned the full inquest until Aug 21. It has been previously reported that Ms Damarell was a highly experienced skydiver. Following her death, Sky-High Skydiving said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place involving a valued member of our community.' It was previously reported that Ms Damarell had been living in lodgings in Shotton since the end of last year, renting a double bed in a house used by skydivers staying over in the village. She had been living with a man she described to friends as her 'boyfriend'. One friend said: 'She had been staying in the digs since the end of last year. There are bunk beds for skydivers who come from all over the country to parachute. Jade rented a double room and told us that he was her boyfriend. 'No one is living there now.' 'She was mad for the sport' Ms Damarell had previously married in 2019, but the pair were said to have become estranged. Another friend said: 'This wasn't a skydiving accident – we believe she intended to take her life, sadly. 'She skydived with someone else, broke off and turned onto her back and impacted. 'She chose not to open her parachute, and she landed on her back.' A third friend of Ms Damarell said: 'Everyone is devastated and deeply traumatised by what happened because she was very much part of the skydiving community. 'She was mad for the sport. In just the two days before she died, she did 11 jumps. She must have done 80 this year.' A file has been passed to the coroner, and an inquest will be opened in due course. In a tribute to their daughter, Ms Damarell's parents Andrew and Elizabeth Samuel said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness. 'Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot's licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose. 'Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was. 'We miss her beyond words, but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly – but their light never truly fades. 'We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders, as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express. 'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone – a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone. 'Please respect our family's privacy as we come to terms with this devastating loss.'
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Daily Mail
'Extraordinary' skydiver, 32, who plunged to her death had no signs of equipment malfunction, inquest told - amid fears incident was a 'deliberate act'
A skydiver feared to have taken her life in a tragic plunge from the skies had no signs of equipment malfunction, an inquest was told. Jade Damarell, 32, an experienced parachutist with more than 400 jumps to her name, died during a skydive in Shotton Colliery, Co Durham, on Sunday, April 27. Initial reports had assumed Jade's death was a tragic accident. But SkyHigh Skydiving later issued a statement saying that her death was suspected to have been 'a deliberate act'. An inquest into the circumstances of her death was today opened and adjourned at Crook Coroners's Court, Co. Durham. During a short two-minute hearing, area coroner Jeremy Chipperfield heard how there was 'no reason to suspect equipment failure'. Coroner's officer Alexis Blighe said the provisional cause of Ms Damarell's death was listed as 'blunt trauma'. Ms Blighe said: 'This 32-year-old female was born on October 6, 1992, at Kowloon, Hong Kong. 'Her last employment status and occupation was a marketing manager. 'She died on April 27, 2025, on farmland near Fleming Field, Shotton Colliery, Co Durham. 'I understand the circumstances to be that Ms Damarell was involved in a parachute incident on April 27, 2025. 'On May 2, 2025, Dr James Henry conducted a post-mortem examination at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary mortuary and gave cause of death as follows: 1a) blunt trauma.' The inquest was told that Ms Damarell's body was identified by Bryn Chaffe, the chief instructor at Ms Damarell's skydiving club. Mr Chipperfield adjourned the inquest to August 21. Ms Damarell, who worked as a marketing manager for Silver Spoon after graduating from Leeds university, had been living in lodgings near to the airfield and had undertaken more than 80 jumps this year. Friends said her parachute did not open as she plunged at speeds of more than 120mph. In a statement,Ms Damarell's mother Liz and father Andrew paid tribute to their 'beloved daughter'. They said: 'It is with immense sadness that we share the loss of our beloved daughter, Jade. 'A brilliant, beautiful, brave and truly extraordinary person. A bright, adventurous, free spirit, she lived with immense energy, passion, and love, and touched countless lives with her warmth and kindness.' The tribute continued: 'Professionally, Jade was exceptionally talented and admired for her creativity and dedication in marketing. 'Personally, Jade had recently begun training for her pilot's licence and as a keen skydiver, Jade found freedom and purpose. 'Skydiving and its fantastic community meant so much to Jade, and we're incredibly comforted by how admired, respected, and deeply loved she was. 'We miss her beyond words, but Jade's love, brilliance, courage, and light will live on in our family and among all those who knew and loved her. Some stars are so bright, they burn through their time too quickly - but their light never truly fades. 'We want to extent our heartfelt thanks to everyone in the emergency services and the local first responders, as well as the skydiving community. Your care and compassion mean more to us than we can express. 'Lastly, if you are struggling, please reach out. Talk to someone - a friend, loved one, or professional. You are never alone.' Police and emergency services were called to Wreford's Farm in Shotton Colliery, where she landed, but Jade was pronounced dead at the scene. One person - a fellow skydiver - was believed to have witnessed the horror. Friend Danni Willis, who worked at SkyHigh Skydiving described Ms Damarell' as 'a beautiful girl inside and out'. It is understood she had rented a double room at the skydiving centre's lodgings and had been renting a double room with her boyfriend. She had previously been married but was said to have divorced. SkyHigh Skydiving confirmed the death in a statement, claiming 'all indications' from police were that 'this was a deliberate act'. A spokesman said: 'It is with great sadness that we confirm a tragic incident took place on 28 April, 2025, involving a valued member of our community. 'All indications from the police and British Skydiving are that this was a deliberate act. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected all who knew her, and our thoughts are with her family and friends as they face this unimaginable loss. 'At this incredibly difficult time, we ask for privacy and compassion for those grieving.' The centre added: 'If you are struggling or in emotional distress, please know that you are not alone. Support is available. We urge anyone in crisis to speak to someone or reach out to a mental health professional. Even in the darkest moments, there is help and hope.' A Durham Constabulary spokesperson confirmed: 'A woman sadly died following a skydiving incident near Peterlee. 'Police officers and colleagues from the ambulance service were called to the incident in Shotton Colliery at around 10.30am on Sunday (April 27). 'Sadly, a woman in her thirties was pronounced dead at the scene. Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will now be prepared for the coroner.' A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'We were called to an incident at Shotton Colliery in County Durham on Sunday 27 April at 10:17. 'We dispatched one ambulance crew and one specialist paramedic to the incident.' Wreford Farm released a statement via Facebook in the wake of the tragedy, which read: 'Tragically, last Sunday 27/4/25 a woman lost her life after a parachute incident/accident, please join us in saying a prayer for her and her family, we ask the Lord to accept her into the kingdom of heaven and strength to her family. 'We ask for our own and farms privacy for this deeply upsetting matter to be respected. God bless.'
CTV News
21-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Armed Forces Day celebration returns to North Bay
The Skyhawks parachute demo team returns to North Bay for the annual Armed Forces Day celebration along with new fly by of an F-16.
