Diary extracts from an Arnhem battlefield hero killed in action have been shared as part of the 82nd anniversary of Operation Market Garden.
Lieutenant John (Jack) Hollington Grayburn, spent much of 1944 living close to the Easton estate, south of Grantham, as his unit trained for battle.
As No 2 Platoon Commander ‘A’ Company, 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment, he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross – the highest British military accolade – for holding the road bridge at Arnhem for more than three days against overwhelming odds.
The diaries were shared by his son, also called John, for South Kesteven District Council’s Soldiers from the Sky website – funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is available to view here: https://tinyurl.com/lieutenant-grayburn-diary
They provide a remarkable insight into Lieutenant Grayburn’s thoughts and feelings during the period from Sunday, 21 November 1943 until his final entry on Tuesday, 5 April 1944.
One entry reads:
‘Memories, Memories, there are so many at a time like this, a time on the wireless, an old face seen again. We have enjoyed ourselves a lot, we have got a very, very great deal to be grateful for, there are no regrets and it is good to face such an immediate future as I am facing with all that behind me.’
Lt Grayburn flew to Arnhem from RAF Saltby just before noon on 17th September, spearheading the audacious but doomed Allied attempt to seize bridges over the Rhine and strike deep into Germany – ultimately proving to be ‘a bridge too far’.
Extracts from his final diary include mentions of Harlaxton Manor, Easton Hall, a Regiment boxing show in Grantham – and meeting ‘Monty’ for an inspection at Belton House.
Lt Grayburn’s life was celebrated in a ‘Celebration of Valour’ event at Easton Walled Gardens last October with the unveiling of an information board reflecting his story with an extract from his VC citation.
‘From the evening of September 17th until the night of September 20th, 1944, a period of over three days, Lieutenant Grayburn led his men with supreme gallantry and determination. Although in pain and weakened by his wounds, short of food and without sleep, his courage never flagged. There is no doubt that, had it not been for this officer’s inspiring leadership and personal bravery, the Arnhem Bridge could never have been held for this time.’
A moving note on the first page of Lt Grayburn’s diary reads:
‘This book is a personal diary of J. H. Grayburn, if found amongst his kit, he would be grateful if it could be kept by an officer until such time as the 2nd Bn should return to England, then sent to his wife.’
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