Original U.S. WWII 508th PIR 82nd Airborne Division Lt. Herbert Beattie WIA Market Garden Battle-Cut Paratrooper First Aid Kit, Captured German Flag & Field Gear Grouping - Wrist Compass & Overseas Caps
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Original Items: One-of-a-Kind Grouping. This is an exceptional WWII U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division grouping well-identified to First Lieutenant Herbert E. Beattie, a platoon leader in Company H, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, who participated in Operation Market Garden on September 17, 1944, and was wounded in action by artillery shrapnel on November 3, 1944, during the fighting in the Nijmegen area of the Netherlands. Particularly significant is Beattie's original second-pattern paratrooper first aid packet, cut open by him in combat on the day he was wounded to access the lifesaving morphine inside. The packet still retains its Carlisle bandage, preserving an especially personal connection to his wartime experience. The grouping also includes a substantial captured German flag, Beattie's named officer's musette bag with its original identification tag, two airborne officer's garrison caps, his wrist compass, rifle cleaning equipment, gloves, a rubberized poncho, two named duffel bags, his 1943 Drexel Institute of Technology yearbook, and a printed collector’s account of his military service. Several pieces retain direct identification to Beattie, providing an unusually detailed collection of personal equipment associated with an American airborne officer who participated in one of the most important campaigns of WWII.
The 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, commonly known as the Red Devils, was among the American airborne formations that distinguished themselves during the European campaign. Activated during WWII, the regiment underwent extensive parachute and infantry training in preparation for operations behind enemy lines. Its mission was to seize critical objectives, disrupt enemy communications, and hold strategically important positions until advancing ground forces could establish contact.
The regiment entered combat during the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, when its paratroopers jumped into German-occupied France as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. The scattered airborne landings, difficult terrain, and determined German resistance resulted in considerable casualties, but the regiment contributed to securing important positions and supporting the Allied invasion. Following its withdrawal from Normandy, the 508th returned to England for reorganization, replacement personnel, and preparation for subsequent operations.
This outstanding group consists of:
- WWII Paratrooper Medical Bandage 2nd Pattern First Aid Packet battle-cut on November 3rd, 1944 by Lt. Beattie. Still contains Carlisle bandage.
- Captured 58 x 108” German banner with Swas. The design is multi-piece on a red field with a large white central disc and separate-stitched black swas emblem. The flag is double-sided and appears to be made from cotton fabric. A great backdrop for this incredible group.
- WWII Officer’s Musette Bag by Varied Mfg. Co., with attached ARMY equipment tag identifying it to Herbert E. Beattie, 1st Lieutenant O537881, Co. H, 508th PIR. Great to find with this tag still intact.
- Beattie’s 1943 Yearbook from the Drexel Institute of Technology, with Beattie pictured on page 115 as a member of Scabbard & Blade. Great piece of his life.
- US Army Corps of Engineers Wrist Compass by Superior Magneto Corporation. No leather wristband, crack in glass.
- Rubberized bag containing rifle cleaning kit materials, named under flap BEATTIE with a faint laundry number.
- Pair of Size Wool 9 gloves by J. Kayser & Co. with leather palms.
- WWII Airborne Officer’s Garrison Cap with Officer’s Piping & Paratrooper / Glider Patch. Not named.
- WWII Airborne Officer’s Garrison Cap with Officer’s Piping & Paratrooper / Glider Patch. Named “LT. BEATTIE” under sweatband.
- U.S. WWII Rubberized canvas poncho with S in a circle stenciled at each end. Some stiffness but a great piece to find in this condition.
- Large empty Army duffel bag sent home to Beattie’s mother, with his name and unit info in the “from” section. Shows address as 260 Burmont Rd, Drexel Hill, PA.
- Large empty Army duffel bag sent home to Beattie’s mother, with his name and unit info in the “from” section. This one also has LT. BEATTIE inscribed along the side from before he sent it home.
- Printed narrative on Beattie’s life in rigid plastic display sleeves.
Herbert entered into active service under ASN 33783608 at New Cumberland, PA on 29 June 1943. Because of his prior enrollment in Advanced ROTC at Drexel Institute of Technology, Philadelphia, PA, he received a commission. On 26 July 1944 2nd Lt. Beattie arrived in the ETO and on 12 August he was transferred from the 11th Replacement Depot to Company H, 508th PIR. Lt. Beattie was wounded in action on 3 November 1944 in Holland, namely in the Nijmegen Bridge Salient. Lieutenant Beattie was able to rejoin his company and served in Frankfurt on the Honor Guard before returning to the U.S. on 2 March 1946. He was discharged on 20 August 1946 at Fort Dix, NJ. Beattie passed away on December 4th, 2009, at the age of 88. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania.
This Herbert E. Beattie 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment grouping is an important collection of original WWII airborne equipment, personal effects, and historical material associated with a documented participant in Operation Market Garden. The surviving named items establish a substantial connection to Beattie's military service, while the captured German flag, field equipment, officer's caps, and personal documents illustrate several aspects of his wartime experience. Most significant is the battle-cut first aid packet, which provides a direct connection to his documented wounding during the fighting around Nijmegen on November 3, 1944. With its combination of identifiable equipment, personal documentation, and campaign history, this grouping represents an unusually detailed record of an American paratrooper officer's service in the European Theater of Operations.
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- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
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