234994 Sgt pilot Alfred William Rigling Royal Air Force from:Southend on Sea My father, Alfred Rigling, was a pilot on a mission and was under heavy enemy fire. He must have been hit, as all he can remember is coming around under his canopy. He landed in a field and on trying to stand up he thought it must be a marshy area as the ground was soft and squidgy. However, on looking down he realised that he was actually standing on the end of his leg with his foot to the side! His left ankle had been shattered in what he assumes was an explosion. He does not know how his parachute had been opened and guessed that the explosion had done it or he had caught the ripcord on something as he was ejected from the aircraft.
He was hospitalised in Venlo, Holland and although in bed unable to walk due to his injuries, he had an armed guard at his bedside permantly. He did not lose his foot but always suffered from the pain but at least he could walk, albeit with a limp, for his remaining years.
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