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4749730 Private Bernard Burwell Airey

We are keen to hear from anyone who is a relative or knows anything about Private Bernard Airey.

Please don't hesitate to contact us so we can share the story of this brave man.


Born: 21 Jul 1919
Died: 21 Sep 1944
Age at death: 25 years, 2 months, and 0 days
Company: C
Platoon: 7
Section: HQ
Parachute Course:

Life Story:
4749730 Private Bernard Burwell Airey was born at York on 21 July 1919, the son of Clarence and May Airey, and raised in York, UK.
He was on Parachute Course 58 at Ramat David, Palestine, from 01 – 11 August 1943.
Pte Airey served with No. 7 Platoon, C Company, 11th Parachute Battalion.
He took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Operation Market Garden. Bernard was killed in action on 21 September 1944, aged 25 years old and has no known grave. He is now commemorated on panel 8 on the Memorial at Groesbeek Canadian War Cemetery, The Netherlands.


Thanks to R.P. “Bob” Hilton; Diana Andrews; Allan Brown; Andrew Blacklock; Jon Baker; John Howes; Graham Francis; Bob Gerritsen; Darren Wielink; Maarten Lenssen; Judith Minkman; Philip Reinders; Hans den Brok; many 11th Battalion veterans; family, next of kin and friends; staff of the Airborne Museum Hartenstein Oosterbeek; Airborne Assault Museum Duxford; and Gerrit Pijpers OBE without whom this website would not have been possible.