Robert 'Bob' J Abel volunteered for the airborne forces having previously served with The Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. Bob was successfully parachute jump trained at RAF ringway on Course 88. This course ran between 18 and 30 October 1943. His jump instructor described him as:

"Quiet but confident, reliable jumper" 

Served in 'B' Coy, 11 Pln of the 9th Parachute Battalion and was at The Merville Gun Battery on D-Day. Bob was with Captain Greenway's group. He received a gunshot wound to the ankle at Château St Come on the 9 June 1944. For further details of his actions read "The Day The Devils Dropped In" by Neil, Barber.

Bob also saw active service in The Ardennes and the Rhine Crossing.

Bob was a committee member of the 9th Battalion Reunion Club until his death in 1994.