Who was Peter Colthup and what was his role in the Battle of Arnhem?

Peter Colthup was the last glider pilot to serve at the Battle of Arnhem during WWII, participating in Operation Market Garden in September 1944.

What is Operation Market Garden?

Operation Market Garden was a failed Allied military operation in September 1944 during World War II, aiming to secure bridges in the Netherlands.

What message did Peter Colthup have about war?

Peter Colthup believed war should be recognized as 'stupid and ghastly' rather than glorified, urging younger generations to understand its futility.

Home / War and Conflict / WWII Glider Pilot Dies at 103

WWII Glider Pilot Dies at 103

7 Jan

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Summary

Last glider pilot from the Battle of Arnhem has died at 103.
Peter Colthup fought in Operation Market Garden in 1944.
He advocated for war to be recognised as 'stupid and ghastly'.

Peter Colthup, the final glider pilot to have served in the pivotal Battle of Arnhem, has died at the age of 103. Colthup was a participant in the daring Operation Market Garden in September 1944, a critical World War II mission aimed at establishing an Allied route into Germany over the River Rhine.

Originally from London, Colthup enlisted at just 17, eventually joining the Glider Pilot Regiment. His wartime service extended beyond Arnhem, including deployments in North Africa and the invasion of Sicily. On his 100th birthday, he received the Dutch Liberation Medal and the Market Garden Medal for his contributions in the Netherlands.

Reflecting on his experiences, Colthup urged younger generations to understand the true nature of war, stating, "We were taught the soldiers are brave... they glorify war but they should not glorify war, they should say that war is stupid and ghastly." His passing marks the end of an era for a vital segment of World War II history.