Private Albert J Perfect

Private Albert John Perfect volunteered for airborne forces during World War II.

He attended parachute training course 97 at RAF Ringway which ran from 3 January to 15 January 1944. The course was attended by 265 trainees who completed nearly 2000 descents.

During the course the men were informed that their last jump was to be made with a kit bag strapped to their legs from the balloon. As this was an innovation some apprehension was expressed and it was feared that a considerable number of refusals might occur. However, after being told the reason for it by the Commanding Officer, and watching 40 demonstration jumps by PTS intructors confidence was restored. It is noteworthy that for the kitbag jump there was neither a refusal or injury.

The course instructors noted that Pte Perfect was an "excellent parachutist, morale high, reaction good". On completing the course he was posted to 22 Independent Parachute Company, a Pathfinder unit.

22nd Ind Para Coy jumped on D Day 6 June 1944. It fought around Breville and remained as line infantry in Normandy until the break out to the Seine in August.