Private Wilfred F Deakin

Wilfred Frederick Deakin trained for service with Airborne Forces during the Second World War.

Wilfred, often known as a 'Wilf', was born on 20 October 1921 in Salford, Lancashire, one of six children born to John Cyril and Phylis May Deakin (nee Neale). He originally enlisted with the Welch Regiment before volunteering for service with Airborne Forces. 

Private Deakin completed Parachute Course 75 at RAF Ringway in early August 1943 and was posted to 13th (2/4th South Lancashire Regiment) Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, which had been formed in mid-1943.  Whilst serving with the 13th Battalion, Wilf lived in Cromwell Grove, Levenshulme in Manchester, but sadly died at home at the young age of 21 years old. 

Private Wilf Deakin died on 9 September 1943. He is now buried in Gorton Cemetery, Manchester.