Michael John (also known as James John) Coughlin enlisted into The Middlesex Regiment.He transferred to Durham Light Infantry before volunteering for airborne forces in June 1943 and attended parachute training course number 73 at RAF Ringway from 19-28 July 1943. His course report stated ‘Pte Caughlin [sic] Unhesitating, reliable pupil.’’

Private Coughlin was posted to A Company, The 6th (Royal Welch) Parachute Battalion and saw active service in Italy, The South of France, Greece and Palestine.

Pte Coughlin was demobbed in December 1946.