Wolverhampton PRA

Wolverhampton & District Parachute Regimental Association

The main commemorative plaque set facing into the Grove towards the Falklands Memorial Way and the 3 Para memorial garden.

Memorial Text – Panel 1

  • This unique Parachute Seat honours the Airborne Forces commemorated individually hereon for their service to the Crown, to their Comrades and the freedom they helped achieve for many countries and communities around the world.
  • From 1940 to 1947 they served the Crown in North Africa, Sicily, Itlay, Normandy, Arnhem, Rhine Crossing, Java and Palestine.
  • From 1948 to 2016 they served the Crown in Malaya, Borneo, Suez/Egypt, South Arabia, Northern Ireland, Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • This memorial was dedicated on the 1st November 2016 and again on the 5th September 2023 when 7 new plaques were fitted.
The seat shape is of 24 Tombs (panels) of a parachute that has landed. It consists of 48 pieces of timber individually sawn and sanded into shape by Mike Colton and is set on a metal framework.
The back panels consist of 24 separate pieces of hardwood which were sawn and sanded to shape by Mike Colton.
Set in the centre of the seat is a Cherry Tree which is complimented with Box Leaf Honeysuckle that turns out bright green which will compliment the wood colouring.

Memorial plaques were fitted in 2016 and now in 2023 by seven more.

Mark Dodsworth, his father Bryan Dodsworth and his brother Brian Dodsworth.

Memorials Text – Panel 2

  • Mark Steven Dodsworth, 3 Para. Son, Husband, Brother, Paratrooper and ‘gentle giant’. Born in Walsall on 5th April 1958. Participated in Operation Corporate, the Falkland Islands April-June 1982. Killed in action on Mount Longdon 12th June 1982. At rest with his Dad and comrades in Valhalla.
  • Bryan William Dodsworth, 3 Para. Son, Husband, Father, Grand Father and Paratrooper. Born in Walsall on 3rd October 1936. Participated in ‘Operation Musketeer, the last official action drop by the Parachute Regiment at El Gamil Airfield, Suez 1956. At rest with his son and Comrades in Valhalla.
  • Brian Malcolm Dodsworth, 1st November 1960 to 21st November 2021. Husband, Dad, Grandad, Son and Brother. With grateful thanks from the Wolverhampton Parachute Regimental Association in recognition of his help and support over the years. At rest with his Dad and Brother.

Memorial Text – Panel 3

  • Thomas Frederick Brewin (Tom) – Sunrise 7th June 1925/Sunset 2nd February 2023 – Arnhem Veteran. “Gone from our sight but never from our hearts.”
  • Arnold “Arnie” Hutchinson M.B.E. – 17th September 1924 to 29th December 2020. 7th Bn Parachute Regiment, 6th Airborne Division. Op Varsity – Rhine Crossing.
  • Ernest Frank Elston – 31st May 1927 to 28th July 2020. 1st/43rd Ox & Bucks LI. 16th Independent Airborne Brigade 7th Bn HQ.
  • Francis Douglas Guise Lane – (Sgt) C Company 7th Bn (LI), 6th Airborne Div. 5th Para Brigade. Rhine Crossing, Palestine, Far East. ” Much loved and proud of you Dad”.

Memorials Text – Panel 4

  • John Baker (Jack) – 1 Para Bn. Sunrise 5th October 1923/Sunset 1st April 2019. Arnhem Veteran. “Loved, respected and always missed.”
  • Joseph Edward Davies – 3rd September 1922 to 14th March 2016. 779 12th Corps and 779 Airborne. Royal Army Service Corps.
  • Ivan Harthill – 1st Para Bn. 4th February 1926 to 20th February 2018. Fondly remembered by the Harthill family.
  • Donald George Taylor – 2 Para – 30th September 1938 to 16th January 2021. Cyprus, Middle East. Sadly missed by the family and friends. Utrinque Paratus
  • Bryone “Bing” Crosbie – 1 Para – 22nd December 1936 to 30th December 1922. Utrinque Paratus.

Memorials Text – Panel 5

  • Bob Tong – 1923-2014 – 2 SAS.
  • John Nolan – 11th August 1936 to 4th May 2015. 23 SAS.

Memorials Text – Panel 6

  • William (Bilco) Cooper – 1926-2019. Parachute Light Artillery (Airborne). His duty done, sadly missed by all his family.
  • William (Bill) Russell – 1924-2015. Service No. 14926008. 7th/17th Para Battalion. After serving in Egypt and Palestine between 1943-47, he continued too proudly support the Parachute Regimental Association for the remainder of his life. Sadly missed by family and friends.
  • IN TRIBUTE TO ALL OUR PAST MEMBERS TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION.

PAGE UPDATED 17TH OCTOBER 2025