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John was born in Invercargill in 1938 and attended Southland Boys High School before joining the NZ Army as a Regular Force Cadet in 1955 aged 16. Whilst in the cadets he was trained as an Instructor in both Anti-Aircraft and Field branches of the RNZA. He graduated from cadets in Dec 1957 and started work as an instructor in the RNZA at Burnham Camp, training some of the last intakes of CMT. In 1960, he was posted to Waiouru as an instructor at Regular Force Depot and the School of Artillery and was married to Jan in 1963. In Feb 1963 John was seconded to 2 RNZIR, in Burnham, as a Platoon Sergeant and in 1964 was posted to Malaysia to 1 RNZIR. Whilst in Malaysia he saw Active Service in Malaya and Borneo during the Indonesian Confrontation. John returned home to NZ in 1966 to the newly formed School of Artillery Meteorological Section. In 1967 he was posted on Active Service to 161 Battery, as the Battery Survey Sergeant, in Vietnam. Back to Waiouru and the School of Artillery in 1968. He held various appointments at the school and returned to 161 Battery as the BSM in 1973. In 1975 he was posted back to the School of Artillery promoted to WO1 in the Position of Sergeant Major Instructor Gunnery, Locating branch. In Mar 1977 John was Commissioned into the rank of Lieutenant and Quartermaster. During his time as a Commissioned Officer appointments held were: Cadre Officer and Gun Position Officer 4 Medium Battery RNZA, Adjutant 3 Field Regiment RNZA, 2IC Support Company and Administration Company 1 RNZIR in Singapore, and Battery Captain 161 Battery. John retired from the army, after 30 years service, while holding this position in Dec 1984. In civvy street he was employed at the Wiri Oil Terminal and in 1986 was promoted into the position of Operations Manager. He held this position until June 1998. John now works part time as an Operations an Safety Consultant to the Oil Industry. John and Jan have five daughters and are the proud grandparents of 9 grandchildren. July 2000
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