Private William J Plant

William (Will) was born on 29 July 1994 the son of Ian & Tracy Plant of Bainton, Cambridgeshire

He was the middle of 3 boys, older brother Tom and a younger brother Ollie.Tom went on to become a Royal Marine and Ollie joined the Police Force, where they remain today (2023)

Will attended Stamford Boys School and, although he was dyslexic, he completed his GCSE’s deciding at that point that his academic studying days were over and did not progress to do 'A' levels.

Will had always been a fit and active child with a love for animals and a desire to be doing something outdoors rather than sitting in front of computer playing games. He was a keen sportsman playing both Rugby and Cricket for his School and local Clubs where he gained a great deal of confidence as he had struggled academically at School due to his dyslexia. 

Will was a very sociable boy having lots of friends and a great sense of humour. He was never one to miss a good night out. He was a cheeky and will always be remembered for his mischievous grin! He got up to many pranks as a child but was liked by everyone due to his sense of fun and “happy go lucky” outlook.

He initially intended to following brother Tom into the Royal Marines but due to a cruciate ligament leg injury, he had received whilst rugby training, he was rejected. So he then considered whether the army might accept him. So he approached the Army with a view to enlisting in The Parachute Regiment. Will knew the training would be very tough but he was up for the challenge especially as Tom was a Marine he knew he had to succeed.

This he achieved on 8 January 2012 and he began his basic training at Catterick at the tender age of 18. P Company Will found the training hard and injuries also delayed his progress. However, he was determined succeed. He proudly passed out and was posted to 3 Para. He was extremely proud  as a member of 3 Para and made some great mates along the way. He went on to successfully  complete  a military parachute training course at No1 Parachute Training school, Brize Norton to become a fully qualified Paratrooper.   

In Will's short time with 3 Para he took part in many exercises in the UK other countries  it was on one such an exercise in Spain in November 2016 that Will tragically was involved in a road traffic accident in which he was severely injured. He spent 4 weeks in hospital in Madrid before being transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, UK where he remained for 11 months before being moved to the Re-habilitation unit at Leamington-Spa for a further 4 months, sadly he lost his fight for life on the 28 March 2018.

His funeral took place at St John the Baptist church at Barnack nr. Stamford as Bainton village church was not large enough for the congregation of four hundred plus who attended.

Will is dearly missed by both family and friends, Once a year at his parents home an annual gathering takes place around the time of his birthday where family and friends can reflect, laugh and celebrate Will’s life short but full life over a few beers and a slice of Will's favourite - Domino’s Pizza!