Private William Skirving Ducker was born on the 18th of February 1921 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

A steel rigger and truck driver by trade before the war, he enlisted into the Canadian Engineers on the 13th of January 1941, before later transferring to the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, Royal Canadian Infantry Corps in 1943. Upon requesting this transfer, he received the following recommendation from Captain. W.A. Bryce (Army Examiner): 

"This man, 180lbs in weight  – 6’ in height – sturdy, active, physically unusually strong, plenty of nerve, and rather quick witted and possess a sense of humor. He has been active in Y.M.C.A. work and in the Independent Order of Grand Templars and jobs as delivering coal and ice, working in a steel factory and steel construction which would seem to demonstrate physical stamina. He sings with a fairly good baritone voice and he claims he can harmonize. He appears to be the sort that would fit in with a ‘gang’ and go his share. He is the 3rd of eight children. His father is a veteran slightly gassed and shell shocked in the last war. He has a brother in C.A.C. and another in R.C.A.S.C. this man has a slight lowering of his left eye lid which gives one the impression he is squinting – he claims, however, that he has normal vision. In manner slightly truculent, in physique impressive and he gives promise of being a sound paratrooper prospect."

He also received the following recommendation from Captain J.E.L. Black:

"Has been 2½ years in the Army in R.C.E. - always anxious to proceed overseas but held back. Is qualified driver i.c. and motor mechanic, Group C. Was rigger in civilian life:, used to heights. Has held fairly responsible jobs in the army. States he is ‘tough’ physically, likes ‘ju-ju’ etc. Was called ‘Wild Bill’, aggressive, daring, steady in nerve. Worldly Wise. Plenty of self-assurance. States he only has Grade 8 education and never had technical schooling.’ 

William was one of the first Canadians to arrive in Normandy on D-Day. Landing in the early hours of the morning on June the 6th alongside the British Paratroopers of the 3rd Parachute Brigade. The 1st Battalion achieved all their objectives and gained a fierce reputation for fighting ability and reliability.

In the days following D-Day, whilst under enemy fire he entered a building that was being used as a shelter by his comrades but which had received a direct hit. Out of the four men inside, three where dead or beyond medical care but William managed to safely rescue the fourth man. In doing so he sustained wounds which would cause his death a few days later on the the 19th of June. For these actions he was awarded the Military Medal posthumously.

Private B/3047, William Skirving Ducker of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, R.C.I.C. now lies at rest at the Hermanville War Cemetery in Normandy, France