John Alcock served with Airborne Forces in the 1950s and 1960s.

John initially joined the Army in the late 1930s, serving in the Coldstream Guards during the Second World War. He was part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) sent to France early in the War and in 1940, he formed part of the rearguard action assisting the retreat from the beaches at Dunkirk. John Alcock was awarded a Mention in Despatches in 1945, and later the French Croix de Guerre in 1945.

John progressed through the ranks to become a Senior NCO, joining the Parachute Regiment in the 1950s.

As the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of The 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), RSM Alcock took part in drop at Suez on Op Musketeer. He was eventually awarded a commission as a Lieutenant Quartermaster in 1958, and was appointed Captain in 1961. John ended his career with the Army 5 February 1965.

John Alcock died in 1997.