Lieutenant Colonel G. F. P. Bradbrooke,  Commanding Officer of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion 1942-1944

Lieut. Col. G. P. Bradbrooke, Commanding Officer, 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Jump qualified at Fort Benning in USA (Canadians went there to train as well as in UK) 06/02/43 (6 Feb 1943). He formed the battalion July 1 1942 and led it into Normandy.

 

Click on photo to enlarge it.

 

  Lt. Col. Bradbrooke and Major Griffin. The photo was taken before D-Day, probably in England in 1943. The CO is on the left and is wearing the British cloth covered rubber training parachuting helmet, and 1942 Pattern "jacket, parachutist's" (sleeveless smock) over his battledress. His shoulder title is the AIRBORNE CANADA early type. major Griffin is wearing his maroon beret with the bi-metallic heavy officer's cap badge (silver & brass). As an officer he is wearing his battledress blouse open at the neck, with a tie. Note his parachute badge on his leaf breast. Both men are wearing the British parachutes with the quick release box (turn about 1/4 turn in direction of arrow and then pound with your fist or palm to release three of the four straps). Note that there is no reserve parachute.  Photo copyright Doug Morrison ex-B Coy, then Vickers Platoon, HQ Coy, 1 Cdn Para Bn. 1942-45.

"Lieut. Col. G. F. P. Bradbrooke, the Battalion commander, landed in a marshy area just west of the Dives River, and quickly made his way to the Rendezvous area that was adjacent to the Drop Zone." (page 75) 

 

"Lieut. Col. Bradbrooke had moved to a staff appointment in August of 1944. ... (page 115) 

 

Reference: 1995 Edition of the book "OUT OF THE CLOUDS" by John A Willes ISBN # 0-9699285-0-5 1981 & 1995. Covers history of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion.