John Bernard Cowhey served with the Royal Artillery before volunteering for airborne forces.

He took part in parachute training course 61B/62. The course lasted from 26th April 1943 to 4th May 1943. This was originally a Long Course but was shortened due to operational requirements to only 2 balloon jumps and 3 aircraft jumps. It was noted that Pte Cowhey was "Keen , confident. Has jumped well". Upon successful completion of this course he was posted to 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment.

Whilst serving with 2nd Battalion he saw action in North Africa (Operation Torch) and Arnhem (Operation Market Garden). In Arnhem he served with Signal Platoon, HQ Company. Here he was wounded, receiving shrapnel to the right leg. As a result of this he was captured and made a PoW. He was taken to Stag 11B along with RSM Lord.

After being liberated at the end of the War he joined the Reserves on the 3rd August 1947.