John Joseph O’Neill volunteered for the Parachute Regiment from the Special Air Service.

He attended Parachute Training Course number 111a at RAF Ringway between 9 and 18 April 1944. His course instructor stated that he was ‘A good hardworking type, has jumped well’.

He was posted to the 1st Airlanding Anti-Tank Battery, Royal Artillery, and in September 1944 was sent to Arnhem in B Troop, supporting the 2nd Parachute Battalion with four 6 pounder guns.

During the battle Sgt O’Neill was shot and wounded in the left foot, and was later taken as a prisoner of war to Stalag 11B in Fallingbostel, Germany.

He was awarded the Dutch Bronze Cross in 1945 for his actions.