Private James Patrick Best volunteered for The Parachute Regiment and attended parachute training course number 90 at RAF Ringway between 1 and 13 November 1943. His course report stated: 'a good performer, worked hard, jumps well'.Private Best served with 13th (South Lancs) Parachute Battalion and took part in the Normandy campaign.

Private Best died on 22 August 1944, aged 24 years old. He is now buried at Ranville War Cemetery, Normandy.