Private Derek Harold Hazell, son of Mr and Mrs L H Hazell, of Danbury, Essex, enlisted into the Kings Royal Rifle Corps.In 1942 he volunteered for airborne forces and attended parachute training course number 36 at RAF Ringway between 28 October and 12 November 1942.

He was posted to 1st Parachute Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and took part in the North African campaign, during Op Torch.

Private Hazell died on 8 March 1943, aged 20 years old. He is now commemorated on the Memorial at Medjez-el-Bab War Cemetery, Tunisia.