Robert Newton volunteered for the airborne forces from The Durham Light Infantry. 

He was parachute jump trained at RAF Ringway on Course 97. This 'long' course consisted of 8 jumps from balloons and aircraft. It ran between 3 and 15 January 1944. 12 officers and 253 'other ranks' were also trained on the course. 

Robert's instructor noted this about his performance during this training:

"Very good performer, keen, tough and intelligent"

Robert then became a member of HQ Pln, 22 Ind Para Coy and served in operations in Normandy in June 1944. He eventually joined the RAC reserves 23 August 1946.