John
was born in Bolton, Lancashire on 13th
March 1927. He worked for a few years in the weaving industry, until
volunteering for the Army at the age of 17.
He served with the
Artillery and became a wireless operator, using a 22 and similar sets. His
unit, 25th Field Regiment, formed a close association with Airborne Forces,
while providing artillery support for the 9th Parachute Battalion in the
advance through Germany.
Subsequently
he was sent to the mountains North of Trieste as a member of 'Morgan Force',
which had the task of maintaining order in the region, and, in particular,
preventing the seizure of Trieste by Serb Forces. This duty continued over a
period of six months in 1945-1946. His next move was to Palestine from 1946
to 1948, (the end of the Mandate and withdrawal of British troops). He then
returned to the UK, Northern Command till discharge after eight years
service in 1952.
