Sergeant-Major William Wilkes

William Wilkes initially served in the Army with the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry, before transferring to Airborne Forces in 1943.

Sergeant Wilkes completed Parachute Course 61 at RAF Ringway in early May 1943 with the pass comments: 'Hard working. Steady improvement'. He was subsequently posted to the 7 Platoon, C Company of 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion. Only a few short months later in November 1943, he returned to Ringway with another group of 7th Battalion recruits on course 90, and was commended for his good technique.

Sgt Wilkes took part in the Normandy campaign which followed D-Day on 6 June 1944.

After the end of the War in Europe, 7th (Light Infantry) Parachute Battalion travelled to the Far East as part of the 5th Parachute Brigade. Initially sent to prepare for an invasion of Japan, VJ Day meant efforts were concentrated on restoring civilian order and local government until 5th Para Bde returned to the UK in 1946.

In the latter stages of his career, he is believed to have risen to the rank of Sergeant-Major.

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