Reuben Jeffrey, born 10 May 1924, enlisted with The South Wales Borderers on 16 July 1943. His next of kin was listed as Miss Olive Oposter of Kilburn, NW2. His trade upon enlistment was listed as “labourer”. Elsewhere in the records, his trade is stated as “porter”.

Reuben then transferred to DSAF (Depot & School Airborne Forces) in November 1943. He undertook Para Course 96 in December 1943 at RAF Ringway. He passed with the comment “Keen and enthusiastic – jumps well” and is listed as Depot and School Airborne Forces (DSAF – Hardwick Hall). He was then posted to The 13^th Parachute Battalion, 6^th Airborne Division. 

The main group photo of 13^th Parachute Battalion was in early Dec 1944, when Pte. Jeffrey was on his Para Course at RAF Ringway, so he does not appear.

Reuben emplaned on 5 June to parachute into Normandy with The 13^th Para Bn, but was evacuated to UK on 8 June because of a fracture to his lower left tibia. His service records state “wounded-fracture lower left tibia”. The 13th Parachute Battalion was tasked with:

1) Clear obstructions on glider landing strips as required and as soon as possible.

2) Protect the work on glider strips and the landing of the gliders.

3) Secure and hold Ranville. 

Reuben was posted back to Depot School Airborne Forces on 26 November 1944, then to Depot S. Wales Borderers on 18 January 1945. He eventually rejoined 1^st Bn S. Wales Borderers in May 1945, his old unit, where he seems to have remained in the UK until posted to Central Mediterranean Force to join 2^nd Bn, Monmouthshire Regt in July 1946. Service records indicate Reuben as being in Austria in December 1946 and Venice in June 1947 prior to transfer to the Reserve in 2 September 1947.  

His military release paper states his military conduct as being “Very Good”. They go to say “A quiet hardworking and trustworthy soldier who is honest sober and reliable”.

Reuben got married in 1948 and was father to 10 children, 5 girls and 5 boys, 22 grandchildren before passing peacefully on 13 June 1999 with his family around him. His son, Rob, described his father Reuben as a "loving and peaceful man" 

This profile was created with service records and images kindly donated by Rob Jeffrey, son of Reuben. With further research from "13-Lucky For Some, The History of The 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Battalion" by Andrew Woolhouse.