David Pearson enlisted on 10 March 1959, and was posted to 1 PARA after passing out of Depot at Maida Barracks and completing his parachute training at RAF Abingdon.He served with the Anti-Tank Platoon, HQ Coy and A Coy during his time with the battalion and was also a member of the 1 PARA athletics team as a sprinter. His overseas service include Bahrain (1962-63),  and Cyprus (1964), as part of United Nations forces. 

Dave was demobilised in March 65 and joined the Police serving with Surrey Police (1965-69 Camberley) Royal Papua New Guinea Police (1970-78) Northumbria Police (1979-93 Berwick on Tweed).