Private George T Reading

George T Reading was born in Bow, east London on 13 November 1926. He grew up on the Isle of dogs with his mother, father and 2 sisters. At the age of 14 during the War his house was bombed. George and his father were buried in the rubble. After the family were rescued they decided to evacuate to Somerset, where George became a baker's boy. He delivered bread to local villages by horse and cart.

They remained in Somerset until the War ended then they returned to London. George however joined The Somerset Light Infantry. He the volunteered for the airborne forces and joined The Parachute Regiment. He gained his 'wings' after successfully completing parachute jump training at RAF Ringway on Course B177. 

It is believed that George joined The 7th Parachute Battalion, which later incorporated members of the 17th Parachute Battalion, which eventually became 3 PARA. He served in Palestine until he was 21.

After he left the army George returned home got married and raised 3 children. Pat Jarvis was the youngest of them.

George joined the PRA the London branch. After a number of years he became chairman. This role he did for over 3 years. As chairman he helped organise various events for his PRA members, including a trip to Pegasus Bridge and visits to cemeteries abroad. He hired Millwall Football grounds where he organised a reunion between American airmen and members of the Parachute Regiment. 

George for many years marched passed The Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and organised paratroopers to have dinner at The Paviours Arms in London.

He retired at 65 then moved to Wales.