Private Wilfred Verdun Shelton was born in Nottingham on the 26th April 1916. He was the son of Ernest and Sarah Shelton of 9, Holden Square, Cinderhill, Nottingham and the husband of Marjorie Alice Shelton (nee Squires). Wilfred enlisted on the 27th June 1940 at Bulwell, Nottingham and served with the 13th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters in India.  

He later transferred to the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) with the number 163, and on the 20th November 1943, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion The Duke of Wellingtons Regiment.