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Paul Press
Jun 1, 20232 min read
Part 5: Operation Torch (North Africa)
Albert sailed from Greenock in Scotland to Algeria on a converted cruise liner with the rest of the 2nd Battalion in November 1942, as...
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Paul Press
Jun 1, 20239 min read
Part 4: Operation Biting (Bruneval)
Albert states in his testimony that Operation Biting, the lightning raid on a radar installation in Bruneval, France, in February 1942,...
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Paul Press
May 16, 20235 min read
Part 3: Training and Early War Years
In his civilian life, Albert was an Assistant Bakery Manager in the Holtom family bakery. Therefore it is plausible that when he...
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Paul Press
May 12, 20231 min read
Part 2: The Parachuting Cook?
This blog focuses specifically on Albert’s activities between 21st September 1941 and 17th January 1945, during which time all sources...
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Paul Press
May 5, 20231 min read
Part 1: The Seventeenth Man?
Welcome the the story of The Seventeenth Man? Albert Joseph Holtom was a founding member of the 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment,...
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