Private Alexander Melbourne volunteered for airborne duties in 1943.He attended Parachute Training Course Number 96 at RAF Ringway, which ran from 16 to 30 December 1943.The course was attended by 295 trainees who between them completed 2,220 descents. He was initially posted to a Holding Company and later to 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Battalion.

He parachuted into Normandy with the 13th Battalion and took part in Operation Overlord in June 1944.

Private Melbourne died in fighting, aged 23 years, on 16 June 1944. He is now buried at Ranville War Cemetery, Normandy.

Cemetery photograph reproduced by kind permission of CWGC.