William (Bill) Larder at the Victory Parade for Private Richard Henry Burton VC Bill Larder joined the RAF on 21 Aug 1941 as he was not allowed to join the Army due to his reserve occupation. After being in the RAF for just under 12 months he applied to join the Army and was assigned to the Wiltshire Regiment in September 1943. His Dad, a first World War Army Veteran, bought him a beer to celebrate his move to the Army. Bill volunteered for service with Airborne Forces and attended his first Para course early in 1944. Unfortunately, he contracted measles during the course and was sent... more»