Private Thomas 'Tom' Alfred 'Jarvo' Jarvis, was born in Cadoxton in S. Wales and enlisted 18 October 1937 in Poole with The Dorsetshire Regiment, 5th Bn HQ. He then volunteered for the airborne forces and served with 21st Independent (Pathfinders) Parachute Company. He was a qualified PT instructor. 

Thomas served with The 1st Parachute Brigade in N.Africa. In Brindisi, Italy, he was approached by Lt. Willans and asked if he would like to join "The Parachute Pathfinders". Subsequently Tom joined 1st Independent Parachute Platoon, part of 2nd Independent Parachute Brigade, in the Mediterranean where he took part in operations in Italy (Op Hasty), Southern France (Op Dragoon) and Greece (Op Manna). During one of these operations he was wounded in the leg and was treated in an American Field Hospital. 

When the Platoon disbanded in the Autumn of 1945 shortly after its return to the UK, Thomas volunteered to join The 21st Independent Parachute Company in Palestine. Thomas joined the Reserves 27 April 1946. 

Thomas was married to Edith (Ena) and they had 4 children together, Rosemary, Olwen, Allyson and Carl. The couple also had several grandchildren. 

Tom sadly died of a heart attack on 12 December 1991 at the age of 69. He was cremated at Chesterfield. Those attending the service included representatives from a number of Regiments, with a contingent and Standard Bearer from the local branch of The PRA and many of his ex-colleagues in the Post Office. 

Written with information researched from 21st Ind. Para Club Newsletter. Airborne Assault Museum archive box 3F5 4.21.2