Jim
was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland 0n 5th October 1918.
He enlisted in the
Royal Ulster Rifles in 1938 and saw service overseas in Palestine
and on the
North West Frontier of India prior to the War. The Battalion returned to the
UK and was one of four to be converted to glider borne. Jim was an early
volunteer for the Parachute Regiment and was posted to the 2nd Battalion
with whom he served in the invasion of Sicily.
After
his return to the UK, Jim fractured his knee in training and could no longer
parachute. However he remained with Airborne Forces by reverting to the 1st
Battalion, Royal Ulster Rifles, who at that time were fighting in Normandy,
following their landing in gliders on 'D' Day.
Jim was sent to
Normandy as a reinforcement and remained with them until the end of the
War, taking part in operations in the Ardennes, Christmas 1944 and the Rhine
crossing, March 1945 and the subsequent march through Germany to the
surrender.
