R.D ‘Joe’ Ward enlisted into the Somerset Light Infantry and was serving with 10th Battalion, SLI, when it was turned over to airborne duties in 1942, to become 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion.He qualified as a military parachutist on course 50 which ran at RAF Ringway from 8 to 22 February 1943 and served in A Company. The course report states ‘Cpl Ward. Competent parachutist and NCO combined.’

Sgt Ward was wounded in Normandy.