John, as he was known to his comrades, died on 26 February 2003, aged 73.
He was born at Canvey Island and apart from his military service he spent the whole of his life within the county of Essex. Enlisting into the army on 28 April 1947 he commenced his service with 50 PTC on 8 May 1947.
Following the completion of his basic training, he was posted to the Royal Armoured Corps in September 1947 and underwent his tank training as a signaller/ driver with 57th Training Regiment at Catterick where he remained until 6 February 1948 when he was posted to The 4th Hussars at Colchester.
On 20 August 1948, he embarked with his Regiment on HMT Dilwara at Southampton and proceeded to Malaya.
He returned to the UK with the Regiment on 14 December 1951 and after disembarkation leave, he served on Salisbury Plain until the completion of his regular service on 5 January 1953.
