John Thomas enlisted into the Army 12 October 1939. He served with The Grenadier Guards before volunteering for the airborne forces. John served at first with 11SAS, L Trp and then 1st Parachute Bn, T Coy, 11 Pln. 

He was jump trained sometime in 1940/41 and saw active service in N. Africa,(wounded 3 February 1943), Sicily, Italy and Arnhem. During op. Market Garden he was a member of the Int Section, when he was captured and held prisoner in Stalag 11B. His POW number was 177732. 

John joined the Reserves 15 April 1946.