Searching for Teddy Norris, part 1.wmv

This film, in two parts, recounts the story of my father's involvement in the 'epic' battle at Arnhem in 1944. Stories about my father are told by members of his squadron through contemporary newspaper accounts and more than 60 years later through the words of those who were involved at the time including Dad's co-pilot, who had spent many years trying to trace the whereabouts of my father. This is his story and of how his 'pals' remember him.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• Dennis Edward Norris
• Andrew Norris
• Arnhem
• Bernard Osborn
• Jack Pickles
• Norman Walton
• Sam Wellard
• A bridge too far

[PaulRichard2]

My mum's cousin was in the Glider Pilot regiment; he dropped during the Italian landings, D-Day and was killed about 5 days into Arnhem when the field hospital was shelled.

It's always good for me to hear from other glider pilots, gives me an idea of what he went through. I've always been proud to have a relative who was part of such an elite regiment.

[andrewnorris1]

@PaulRichard2 Thanks, Paul, for your touching comment. I had contact with my father's old comrades when I sent them a copy of this film and they all said how it was a defining moment for then and that they were fortunate to have gotten through it. You are right, it was an elite regiment, but no one at the time thought so, or even believed so. Such people were so modest. As I said, we owe them so much you have ever right to feel great pride.Thanks so much for watching. Hope you also saw part 2!

[Farflonger]

Arnhem was an epic battle!

[andrewnorris1]

@Farflonger It was, it was, and all of these chaps are honoured in my eyes. I appreciate your watching this deeply personal film. Hope you get a chance to see part 2 posted yesterday. Best

[XaveJamesGrey]

You gives us an insight into what life was like during this historic period. Intriguing how you draw us into the story at the opening recitation of your father's names. It is interesting how he was known by Teddy only during this period. While watching, I wondered how I would cope in his situation. Do you think identifying with his middle name was a way to protect his own identity from what must have been many difficult choices he had to make so quickly and so young? I'm eager to see part 2.

[andrewnorris1]

@XaveJamesGrey I don't quite know how he got to be called by his middle name (it is also my, my brother's and Grandfather's middle name) I think it was used more out of affection. And the question of choices I don't think was really an issue. These chaps had orders, others relied on them, so there was not much opportunity to be an individual, but somehow he stood out enough to be remembered with affection after so long. I appreciate your visit esp. when your time is so precious at the moment

[DwiteTheSpriteKnight]

Each part is good and the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts. You're obviously a good maker of short documentaries.

[Wingle23]

Hi Andrew. Very glad and grateful to see this posted up as I'm one of Bernard's grandsons (Paul!) and, in fact, I was present during the recording of his segments! (I'm glad I kept quiet!). Congratulations on what you've created here - it's a very well put together account of your father's history within the context of the wider efforts going on at the time. And quite proud to read some of the comments posted in response to it, too. Remarkable men...all of them!

[squirereset]

there could be no war without peace

[MissPandora1967]

Dear Andrew, I have just sat in reflection,with my mother now aged 81yrs old.... the two of silently together listening entranced by these amazing men's accounts of Arnheim ..your father ,so young maybe 22yrs,maybe younger?? Mum told me some a mere 15yrs ran away to fight..King&country?

.The horrors these men must have endured,I cannot imagine,yet amazingly their tale told with mirth.+gosh both you &your brother look like your father !!

.my dad is called Teddy,Edward,Dad too X

[boychee100]

wow. and only yesterday we mentioned the perfect word for your film: overwhelmed.

[xyzllii]

Gosh....great you did this Andrew...lovely memory of Teddy (Dennis.)

[Caspar33]

Great work Andrew. Nothing but admiration for your efforts here. Objective and profoundly touching. Exactly the right tone for a story so intensely personal. Perfect commentary and delivery too!