Nigel served in the Cheshire Regiment initially and completed his service with them before transferring to 2 Para in 1982 after passing P Company, so when he joined 2 Para he had already seen operational action in Northern Ireland with the Cheshire Regiment. 

Nigel successfully passed his parachute jump training in September 1981

The Cheshire Regiment was Nigel's local regiment as he was from Altrincham, Cheshire. His younger brothers were also in the Parachute Regiment. Tony Yarwood served in both 2 and 3 Para and served with Nigel during the Falklands war. He was a stretcher bearer for the battles for Darwin Hill and Goose Green. He was then posted to the same company as Nigel, B Company for the battle for Wireless Ridge. There younger brother Lionel was training in the depot Junior Parachute Company around 1982 so missed the Falklands war. He served in both 3 Para and 1 Para.