Ernest G Minter volunteered for the airborne forces after having served with The Royal Artillery.

He was parachute jump trained at RAF Ringway on Course 50. This course ran from 8 to 12 February 1943, and consisted of 8 jumps from both balloon and aircraft. Ernest's instructor noted this about his performance on this course: 

"Very good would make a fine NCO"

Ernest's rank was Gunner/Private when he joined The 4th Para Bn. He then later got promoted to Sgt. 

On the manifest for Op. Dragoon he is listed as a HQ runner, B Coy, 4th Para Bn.