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Roll Call Private Fred Wilcock

Private Fred Wilcock served with the Black Watch before he transferred to Airborne forces.

He served as the A Coy Storeman in 2nd Platoon, A Company of 13th (South Lancs) Parachute Battalion after completion of Parachute Course 126 in early August 1944. After completing his training, whilst 6th Airborne Division were still deployed in Normandy, his first action was as part of the 6th Airborne response to the German counter-offensive in the Ardennes during the Winter of 1944-5.

Private Wilcock went on to serve at the Rhine Crossing, during Operation Varsity, and the March to the Baltic. Shortly after VE Day, he was deployed to the Far East.

On his return, he joined the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders for the remainder of his service.

by Paul Wilcock

Decorations

1945 1939-45 Star
Thumbnail image of 1939-45 War Medal1945 1939-45 War Medal
1945 France and Germany Star
1945 Defence Medal
Thumbnail image of General Service Medal Clasp (1962 onwards)1946 General Service Medal Clasp (1962 onwards), Far East
Thumbnail image of General Service Medal Clasp (1962 onwards)1947 General Service Medal Clasp (1962 onwards), Palestine

Listed Operations

24/12/1944 – 28/01/1945 Ardennes
24/03/1945 – 02/05/1945 Rhine Crossing (Operation Varsity)
26/03/1945 – 02/05/1945 Advance to the Baltic
01/08/1945 – 15/05/1946 Far East

Airborne Forces service history

1943 Black Watch, (Private)
1943-1946 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Battalion, (Private)
1946-1948 Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, (Private)