Edward Michael Barham enlisted into the Royal Ulster Rifles and later transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps.He volunteered for airborne forces and attended Parachute Training Course 91, which ran at RAF Ringway from 11 to 26 November 1943, as part of a cadre of 281 reinforcements for airborne units. There was an unfortunate delay of four days on the course when bad visibility prevented flying. Once the weather had lifted the delays necessitated all the students to complete 3 jumps each in 16 hours. The course instructors’ report states ‘Keen and cheerful. A good performer.’

Pte Barham was initially posted to the Holding Unit before going to HQ & Defence Platoon, 1st Parachute Brigade.

He took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Op Market Garden.

Pte Barham was demobbed in November 1946.

He died aged 65, on 20 January 1987 after a long illness.