Pte John Edward Weathers enlisted into the Army during World War II and volunteered for airborne forces.He attended Parachute Training Course 84 which ran at RAF Ringway from 20 September to 1 October 1943. The course cadre comprised of 154 personnel. A partial parachute failure on the second balloon jump resulted in one of the trainees suffering spinal injuries and other fractures. As a consequence of this accident there were 6 refusals.

John completed the course and was posted to 12th Parachute Battalion, serving with HQ Company.

He fought with the battalion in Normandy.