James Howarth enlisted into The General Service Corps in July 1943; he volunteered for airborne forces whilst in the Border Regiment in October 1943.Private Howarth attended parachuting training course 92 at Ringway in November 1943. The course report states: ‘Pte Howarth: ‘Well above average, all round, confident, cheerful, in all positions.’

He was posted to The 13th (Lancashire) Parachute Battalion (13th Para Bn). The 13th Para Bn jumped into Normandy on D-Day, and also took part in the Ardennes and Rhine Crossing campaigns.

Private Howarth served with the 13th Para Bn until his demob in April 1946.