Book records war hero’s adventures (From Cotswold Journal)

Book records war hero’s adventures

2:00am Thursday 26th July 2012 in Business

THE stirring life and times of a former schoolmaster who dropped paratroopers behind German lines during the Second World War has been launched on his 90th birthday.

The biography of George Chesterton, a county cricketer, RAF pilot, and deputy head at Malvern College, was launched on his 90th birthday on Sunday, July 15. The launch was held at Malvern College where Mr Chesterton was a pupil, and subsequently a master, housemaster and deputy headmaster. The book, A Remarkable Man, The Story of George Chesterton, has been written by Andrew Murtagh who – like his subject – was a master at the college and played cricket at county level.

Last month, Mr Chesterton received an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his services to the community. He has for many years been an active member of Malvern Civic Society.

The book recounts Mr Chesterton's wartime years in the RAF, from his initial training to active service, when he flew Stirling aircraft which towed gliders, and also dropped supplies to hard-pressed resistance fighters in occupied Europe and transported paratroops.

Among the operations in which he took part were the Normandy D-Day landings and the Battle of Arnhem, during the doomed Operation Market Garden campaign.

It also examines his career at Malvern College and at Worcestershire County Cricket Club, where he played for many years, and later served as president.

Mr Chesterton said the launch was “a very jolly affair”.

He said: “There were so many people there from so many different areas of my life, including old colleagues from the college, friends from the civic society, people from Worcestershire Cricket Club and many other local cricket clubs.

“It was a great privilege and I was very touched so many people gave up their time to attend.

“I was very flattered Andy Murtagh, who I have known for many years, thought my life was interesting enough to write about, but it helps that he writes very well.”

The book can be ordered at bookorders@malcol.org or 01684 581681.