Colour Sergeant William Fotheringham BEM

William Fotheringham was born on 22 September 1929 to Mr and Mrs John Fotheringham near Busselton, South West Australia. He was educated at Thomas Street State School, leaving at 14 years old.

Having held various jobs, he joined the Australian Army, where he went on his first overseas posting as part of the Occupation Force in Japan. During his time with the Australian Army he served in the Korean War before returning to Australia for discharge in 1953.

Upon his discharge he visited England, where he met his wife to be, Doreen. A few weeks after their marriage, they left for Canada, William having decided to join the Canadian Army. During his time in Canada he earned his Canadian Parachute Wings. He remained with the Canadian Army for 6 years before returning to England.

Unable to settle into civilian life, he enlisted into the British Army, joining The 1st Parachute Battalion, The Parachute Regiment and served in Northern Ireland, North Africa, Middle East, Bahrain, Singapore and Germany.

Colour Sergeant Fotheringham was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1974, and the Meritorious Service Medal in 1982.

William Fotheringham died on 15 May 2010.