(L to R) 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence Medal; War Medal 1939-45; General Service Medal with ‘Palestine 1945-48’ clasp

Little is known of John’s life or time in the Army. We do know that in December 1943 he was a sergeant who had served with the 1st Reserve Battalion of the Manchester Regiment for a period of 4 years and 70 days. He had the service number 3532824. His Africa Star Medal indicates he served in North Africa during the Second World War sometime between the 10th June 1940 and the 12th May 1943.

John was then transferred to ‘Class W. (T) T.A. Reserve’, which was for soldiers whose services were ‘deemed to be more valuable to the country in civil rather than military employment’. He was liable to be recalled at any time. His commanding officer noted that his service had been ‘exemplary’.

John’s General Service Medal with ‘Palestine 1945-48’ clasp indicates that he was recalled and served in Palestine after the war.

John’s medals were donated to the museum collections in 2015.