John served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) as a gun fitter and heavy weapons maintenance specialist for 24 years. After injuring his spinal cord in a serious fall, he eventually moved to Care for Veterans, one of our partner charity care homes, where he now lives happily.

John’s form master at school encouraged him towards a fulfilling Army career by learning a trade. Aged 16 he joined the REME on a three-year Army apprenticeship, specialising as a gun fitter and maintaining artillery, heavy weaponry, tanks and armoured cars.

John served in the Army for 24 years, initially in a Light Aid Detachment in Munster, Germany and later in Hong Kong as a Sergeant with HQ 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade, where he commanded a support workshop. He spent his last years in the Army as an instructor at the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (SEME) in Bordon, Hampshire. On completion of his military service, he then became a civilian instructor at SEME.

On retirement, John volunteered for many years with the Wey & Arn Canal Trust, maintaining machinery, pumps, and lawnmowers, until 2020. In 2021, his wife died leaving an irreplaceable void in his life.

In 2022, a serious fall resulted in a significant spinal cord injury that worsened over time and John’s independent mobility in his home was severely impaired. He moved to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which specialises in spinal injuries, and then to Care for Veterans in Worthing Sussex, one of our partner charity care homes.

John says: “I have found a community here. It is a pleasure to take part in activities amongst friends. I am also undertaking rehabilitation with excellent support from physical and occupational therapists. Thank you, ABF, for assisting with my needs.”