John Thomas Wilson served with the Sussex Regiment before volunteering for airborne forces. 

Private Wilson took part in parachute training course 53 at RAF Ringway. The course lasted from the 1st - 14th March 1943. It was noted that Pte Wilson was a "Good worker - Satisfactory standard"

Upon successful completion of his course Pte Wilson was posted to 9th (Essex) Parachute Battalion, The Parachute Regiment. 

He took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy) and it was 9th Battalions objective to take Merville Battery. 

Pte Wilson was killed in action on the 6th June 1944. He is now buried in Ranville War Cemetery,