James Wilton, a Briton from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, had just graduated from college when he made the decision to volunteer to fight in Ukraine to help repel Russia’s invasion of its smaller neighbor by land, air, and sea. In July, he was killed by a drone while crossing open ground with a heavy pack on his back. His friend, an American volunteer named Jason, attempted to save him but was unsuccessful. Read more about the Ukraine war.
Graham Wilton, James’s father, stated that his son had “just turned 18” when he made the decision to travel to Ukraine, where the conflict with Russia had been going on for over three years.
Mr. Wilton praised the “polite, likeable young man” and stated that even though his mother and sisters were “dead set against him going,” the adolescent was determined to travel.
“Some of his greatest days ever”
Mr. Wilton stated that he “did everything I possibly could to make sure he knew exactly what was involved and that he could be fully prepared for what may lay ahead” since his son “made it clear” that he intended to join the battle in Ukraine.
Mr. Wilton said that James, who “never really had a bad word to say about anyone or anything,” enjoyed “some of the best days of his life” during his three months of combat training in Ukraine.
“I guess you can never fully prepare for what happens on the battlefield,” he added, regrettably, adding that it was not to be.
“I thank Jason for his bravery in trying to save James in a bad moment and for getting him off the battlefield, even if it was in vain.”
