 Brotheridge did not initially enjoy an easy relationship with his fellow platoon leaders who all came from a different social background to himself.He was popular with the members of his platoon.Brotheridge was chosen to command 25 Platoon (also known as first platoon) in Major John Howard's 'D' Company, 2nd Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, 6th Airlanding Brigade, 6th Airborne Division.