Arthur William Sinclair enlisted into the Royal Scots in Edinburgh as part of his National Service, after basic training he volunteered for airborne forces.Pte Sinclair undertook parachute training course 320 which ran from 13 September to 5 October 1951 at RAF Abingdon. His course report reads ‘Discipline: Good, Nervous Reaction: Calm, Parachuting Ability: Good.’

He was posted to Depot The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces at Maida Barracks Aldershot, before travelling by boat to Egypt to join 3 PARA in January 1952.

Whilst in Egypt Pte Sinclair served under the Quartermaster (QM) as an accommodation storeman.