Derek has had
a most unusual and interesting life, which he began by being born in
Tientsin, China, where his father was stationed as a merchant
trader, on 22nd November 1923.
The family
returned to UK and Derek joined the Army in the Rifle Brigade, first
at their depot in Winchester and then with the 2nd Motor Training
Battalion.
In May 1943
he volunteered to become a parachutist and joined the 7th Battalion,
which was then being formed. Here he found a position in the
Intelligence Section, HQ Company.
With the 7th
Battalion he jumped into Normandy on 'D' Day and remained with them
throughout the campaign up to reaching the Seine in September. He
was slightly wounded during this period.
On the return
of 6th Airborne Division to England he left to undertake Officer
training at R.M.C. Aldershot and was then commissioned into the
Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry and thence seconded to the Control
Commission (British Element). Thereafter he served as an
Intelligence Officer in Germany until he was demobilised in 194
