Sapper William R Gill

William Reginald Gill was born and lived in Newport, he enlisted in the General Service Corps and volunteered for Airborne forces.

Sapper Gill successfully completed parachute training at RAF Ringway on course number 65, from 17 to 28 May 1943. His course report stated “Somewhat nervous type, tries hard, reached average standard”. He was posted to HQ Troop, 3 Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers and took part in Operation Overlord (Normandy).

Spr Gill was killed in action on 13 June 1944, aged 21, and was given a field burial in Breville and was re-interred to Ranville War Cemetery, Calvados, France, on 2 July 1945.

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