James Armstrong (senior) went to sea as a cabin boy at 13 years old and served two years in the merchant navy. He then enlisted in the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. He was under-age.

The Airborne Forces were then formed and he joined the 5th Battalion and served in North Africa, Italy (Monte Cassino), Greece, Germany and Palestine. He was wounded twice and he still has a piece of shrapnel in his back. He was mentioned in dispatches on many occasions.

An interesting tale is that during WWII he saved the life of (Reuters journalist) Claire Hollingsworth. Jim and his company were in Sicily during WWII and they were trying to pinpoint a sniper who had their Para company pinned down in a position. Whilst trying to locate Jim’s company, Claire walked into the room where they were under fire. Jim turned around and instinctively pulled her to the ground just as an enemy sniper sprayed the wall. Jim’s action saved Claire’s life. Claire is now 104 years old.

The Member of the Order of the British Empire medal (MBE) was presented to Jim for his services to the British Army.

After the war, he joined Charlie company, 15th voluntary Parachute Battalion, Edinburgh. His last jump ended with a broken leg, arm and neck (jumping in high winds), overshooting the DZ. American pilots, were the transport on that occasion.