Corporal William A Hunter

William volunteered for the airborne forces in 1943 from The Royal Armoured Corps.

After pre-jump training at  Hardwick Hall for 2 weeks, he attended RAF Ringway course 87 for parachute jump instruction. This course ran from 13-25 October 1943.

His instructor noted that William was "Good average, made a satisfactory course". After passing this course he joined The 13th (South Lancashire) Parachute Battalion.

This is an account of the action in which William lost his life, recounted by Major JBR Watson MC.

"After the break out from the Ranville area early August 1944 The 6th Airborne Division advanced towards the Seine. On the 18 August The 5th Parachute Brigade consisting of the 7th, 12th and 13th Battalions, was ordered to attack Putot-en-Auge, with the final objective to capture 'Hill 13' overlooking the village. this hill dominated the main road and needed to be cleared. The 7th and 12th Battalions secured Putot-en-Auge and it was then the task of battalion to pass through and attack 'Hill 13'.

The attack went well in during the morning of 19 August 1944 and it was during the battle that William was killed along with a number of gallant men. Eventually it was cleared and the Division was able to move on to it's next objective."

William was just 20 years old when he died.