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Private John ‘Johnny’ Johnstone served with The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) before volunteering for airborne forces in 1944.He undertook parachute training course 121 at RAF Ringway between 18 June and 7 July 1944. After qualifying as a military parachutist he was posted to the 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion, and subsequently served as a member of 9 Platoon C Company.

Private John Johnstone

Service History

Operations

Article

Advance to the Baltic
The airborne soldiers were well suited to exploit the fluid situation that occurred following the collapse of the Rhine barri...

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Far East
The 5th Parachute Brigade was sent to the Far East in preparation for a potential invasion of Japan. However, only the advanc...

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Ardennes
After the Allied landings in Normandy and subsequent advance through France and Belgium, the German Army had succeeded in sta...

Article

Rhine Crossing (Operation Varsity)
Operation Varsity was the largest single airborne operation in history. On a single day, over 16,000 men were inserted by gli...
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Photos

Puddiford, 'Ritterby' Ritterband and Johnny Johnstone of 7th (LI) Para Bn on a beach in the Far East c1946
Puddiford, 'Ritterby' Ritterband and Johnny Johnstone of 7th (LI) Para Bn on a beach in the Far East c1946

Group photos

Members of 7th (LI) Parachute Battalion in the Far East c1946
Members of 7th (LI) Parachute Battalion in the Far East c1946