John Whitehead joined the Army 19 October 1939. He served with The Grenadier Guards before volunteering for the airborne forces. 

He jump trained sometime in 1940/41 and initially served with 2 SAS, L Trp, then he went on to join The 1st Parachute Battalion, serving in both Mortar and Pioneer Plns. 

John saw action in N.Africa and Italy. He was wounded on 3 February 1942. In September 1944 during Op. Market Garden he was a member of 1st Para Bn, SP Coy, Assault Pln. John was captured and held in Stalag 12A for the rest of the War. 

He joined the Reserves 4 April 1946.