In September 1944, the Battle of Arnhem erupted as part of Operation Market Garden. While history often recalls the chaos and tragedy of the battle, one man’s bizarre bravery stands out: Major Allison Digby Tatham Warter, a British officer so eccentric that he carried an umbrella into battle.
The Real Parachute Major
You might recognize a scene from the classic war film *A Bridge Too Far*, where a British officer quips to a German: “We’re sorry we don’t have the facilities to take you all prisoner. Was there anything else?” That character was based on a real-life officer, but his portrayal only scratches the surface of Digby’s actual deeds.
Unlike his fictional counterpart, Digby did not die at the bridge. Instead, he played a pivotal role in the battle, was wounded and captured, escaped, and then led a daring evacuation of stranded paratroopers across the Rhine. For his bravery, he earned the Distinguished Service Order.
An Eccentric Upbringing
Born in 1917 to a wealthy landowner in Shropshire, Digby’s upbringing was far from ordinary. His father served in World War I, and his mother’s lively traits were passed down to Digby and his siblings.
Eccentricity ran in the family. His sister, Kit, was awarded the Croix de Guerre in North Africa for her bravery in rescuing wounded soldiers under fire. His brother, Major John de Gray Tatham Warter, was killed during the Second Battle of El Alamein after bravely leading his squadron while standing upright on his tank.
From India to Arnhem
Digby’s military career began in the Indian Army in 1937. He later transferred to the Oxford & Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.
Frustrated by the lack of combat, he joined the Parachute Regiment, which was actively engaged in North Africa. The paratroopers, known as the “Red Devils,” were considered an elite fighting force.
However, Digby’s thirst for action wasn’t immediately quenched. After arriving in North Africa, his unit was quickly redeployed to the UK, which only added to his frustration.
Arnhem: The Battle Begins
Finally, in September 1944, Digby got his chance. His battalion, 2 Para, parachuted into Holland with the objective of capturing and holding the Arnhem road bridge. Due to fierce German resistance, only about 750 men made it to the bridge.
Once there, Digby’s unique leadership style emerged. He carried an umbrella into battle, claiming it was “good for morale.” His men, initially baffled, soon found comfort in their commander’s eccentric behavior.
In one instance, Digby shielded a chaplain from enemy fire by holding the umbrella over his head, casually leading him across the street as if they were on a Sunday stroll.
A Leader Amidst Chaos
Despite the overwhelming odds, Digby led his men with unmatched courage. He used a bugle system for communication, after his radios stopped working. The paratroopers held their ground for several days, despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned.
As the battle raged on, Digby’s eccentricities continued to shine. He once donned a bowler hat while leading a counter-attack, twirling his umbrella like a scene from a Charlie Chaplin film. His presence boosted the morale of his men, even as the situation grew increasingly dire.
The Final Stand and Escape
After days of relentless fighting, it became clear that the battle was lost. Digby ordered his men to save themselves—“Every man for himself”—and was soon captured by the Germans. But even captivity couldn’t hold him. He escaped from a hospital and made contact with the Dutch Resistance, eventually leading the successful evacuation of 130 stranded paratroopers.
For his extraordinary actions, Digby was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. The citation praised his “magnificent qualities of courage, leadership, and utmost determination.”
Life After War
After the war, Digby moved to Kenya, where he lived a life filled with adventure. He captained the national polo team, ran a safari company, and even formed a mounted contingent known as the “Mau Mounties” during the Mau Mau Rebellion.
Despite his eccentricities, Digby remained a beloved figure among those who served with him. He passed away in 1993, but his legend lives on—a testament to the eccentric bravery that defines British military history.
A special thanks to my friend Neil Thornton who researched and wrote the script for the video. Here is the link to his excellent book on Digby – https://amzn.to/4eqxzVt
redcoathistory.com 