John Lewis enlisted with The King's Shropshire Light Infantry at Shewsbury 8 January 1934. He served with the Colours for 7 years and 5 years with the Reserves. His records list his trade before enlisting as 'Gen. Labourer'.  

5 July 1941 he volunteered for the airborne forces with 11 SAS, then later that year 15 september he joined The 1st Parachute Battalion, T Coy.

20 December 1941 he was transferred to The Royal Artillery (coast), then on 1 August 1942 he returned to The 1st Parachute Battalion. He saw service in N. Africa, Sicily, Italy and Arnhem. For his service in Italy he was awarded an MM. See citation. 

He was released to the Reserves 28 January 1946. John was in the Reserves until 27 April 1958.