William ‘Bill’ Carter, 1st Parachute Battalion

I am very sad to share with you the news that our Arnhem Veteran and Honorary Life Member, William ‘Bill’ Carter, passed away on Tuesday 17th September 2024 aged 100.

Bill served in North Africa, Italy and Arnhem with 1st Battalion The Parachute Regiment. At Arnhem he was in S Company, 6 Platoon under Lt Bingley. He was wounded on the banks of the Rhine during Operation Berlin and was taken POW.

His wound to his leg troubled him all his life but it did not stop him working as a plumber throughout his working life. In 1982 Bill was assisting in the fit out of the Norland as 2 PARA boarded for the Falkland’s War.

Bill loved his sport, following his local teams of Portsmouth Football Club and Hampshire County Cricket Club. The twinkle in his eye when he spoke about cricket was wonderful.

Bill celebrated his 100th Birthday in August. I have attached a photograph of Bill holding the flowers that we sent him on your behalf for his birthday. Bill’s host family from the Netherlands were also present.

My thanks to his granddaughter Karen Wilding for the photograph and for helping to keep Bill in touch with the Arnhem Fellowship.

May he Rest in Peace.