William Bert Weare or 'Bill' enlisted the 9th Lancers in 1930, and was discharged for medical reasons in 1932. His service records note that he was a 'builder's labourer' before enlisting.
He re-enlisted in the RE in 1940 and later volunteered for the airborne forces and was posted into 2 Parachute Squadron RE, 2nd Parachute Brigade 7 November 1942. He enlisted under the name William Davis but 11 January 1940 legally changed his name to William Bert Weare. Bill was part of the BEF in 1940 and was evacuated back to the UK, 1 June 1940.
His notebook shows he did his first jumps in November 1942. William was parachute jump trained at RAF Ringway on Course 38. This course ran between 9 and 20 November 1942. The course notes list him as being a member of The Air Landing Brigade.
Service records state he qualified as a cook 15 February 1942.
He arrived in Oran, Algeria in April 1943, and was in North Africa until at least mid July 1943. He served in Italy, and in Greece during the German withdrawal and the Greek civil war, 1944 and 1945. His service record notes he embarked for N. Africa 14 April 1943 and returned to the UK 26 June 1945.
Bill was discharged to the Reserves 17 February 1946.
Created with information and imagery kindly donated by Gerald Weare (son), with further research conducted by members of Airborne Assault.
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