Kenneth Fisher, known by many as John, was a member of 3 Platoon, A Coy, 1 PARA. John was successfully parachute jump trained at RAF Abingdon on Course 441. This course ran between 25 March to 17 April 1957. 3 Officers and 86 Other Ranks took part on this course. The pupils had 2 practise jumps from a balloon and 6 more from aircraft. These aircraft included the Hastings, Valetta and Beverley. Pte. Fisher was described, by his instructor, as "Good, Nervous but Controlled, Fair". During this training John was listed as a member of Airborne Forces Dept, Aldershot.

John served with this unit from 1956 to 1960. He took part on operations in Cyprus. Members of his Company knew as him "The Barrack room Lawyer". He often joked about his time as a “tracksuit soldier”, nurturing his love for boxing and football alongside military duties, apart from his memorable Cyprus tour.

His daughter, Linda and close friend Bob Craft, recalls "John spent time in Australia playing semi-professional football and was a keen coarse fisherman.  A through and through Midlander, John’s spirit continued to soar even higher when he founded and became the Chief Club Instructor of The Cornwall Parachute Centre at St Merryn airfield in Cornwall. 

He transformed Fran’s Ranch into a haven for budding skydivers, inspiring and mentoring countless individuals in the sport.  His son and daughter followed in his footsteps and successfully ‘flew the flag’.

John bid farewell to skydiving in 2006 and moved to Norfolk with his beloved wife Fran who he sadly lost in 2008. Now they are reunited in eternal peace.

John was a robust, straight-talking character, dedicated to excellence and admired by many. His absence is deeply felt, but his influence lives on in the hearts and skies touched by his journey." 

Written with information and imagery kindly supplied by Linda I'Anson (daughter of John) and further research conducted by the Airborne Assault team.