John Wallace Wilkinson enlisted into the Junior Leaders' Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps (RAC), in September 1965 and served with the 17th/21st Lancers before transferring to the RAC Para Squadron in 1970.

While serving in the squadron he completed tours in Cyprus, with the United Nations (UN), and Northern Ireland.

After a five year posting he rejoined the 17th/21st Lancers and remained with them until 1992.

Sgt Maj Wilkinson served in the Armed Forces for 27 years.