Robert Alexander Dougan the son of Arthur and Sarah Elizabeth Dougan, of Lower Glenanne, Co Armagh, Northern Ireland, enlisted into the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers before volunteering for airborne forces.

He qualified as a military parachutist on course 61, which ran at RAF Ringway from 19 April to 3 May 1943. The course instructors’ notes record ‘Courageous jumper. Fine example in morale.’

Private Robert Dougan was posted to 8 Sect, 3 platoon, R Coy, the 1st Parachute Battalion. He and his brother Pte Norman Dougan, took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden.

Private Robert Dougan died on 17 September 1944, aged 20 years old. He is now buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem.

Profile photo supplied by Harvey Grenville