A VETERAN in Chesterfield has shared vivid memories of his national service in Southeast Asia as part of Armed Forces Day commemorations.
John Holehouse, 88, a resident at Holmewood Care Home on Barnfield Close, was reflecting on his time in the British Army 70 years after serving overseas at the age of just 19.
Born on 17th July 1937 in Chesterfield, John began his working life as a motor mechanic when he was 15, securing an apprenticeship with Kennings – where he would remain until retirement.
Part way through his early career, he spent two years serving with the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards in the former British colony of Malaya (now part of Malaysia) from 1956-57.
Despite now living with dementia, he can still recall the details of his service clearly, including his army number, 23275196, which he continues to recite from memory.
He also remembers his journey to Malaya, when the plane he was travelling on broke down over India, giving him the opportunity to see the Taj Mahal.
Speaking about his time overseas, John said: “I loved it in Malaya, I thought the people and the way of life were brilliant.
“We worked very hard and couldn’t bend the rules but we had a good time. I even had a pet monkey for a while that would hold my hand walking around the site.”
Decades later, in the 1990s, John returned to India and Malaysia with his wife Pam. Despite recalling “it had changed a lot when I went back”, he revisited many of the places he remembered from his service years, including Raffles, a bar he often visited during his time abroad.
His daughter, Joanne Bishop, said: “It’s amazing to share these memories with dad. Hearing him recall his time in service and his memories revisiting with mum in the nineties really brings back the dad I know.
“Despite his dementia he remembers in such detail and these memories mean the world to him.”
To mark the 70th anniversary of John’s national service, Joanne brought in his original service books and photographs to Holmewood Care Home, allowing him to share his story with fellow residents and colleagues.
John’s family also has a proud military history, with his grandfather having served in the First World War.
Holmewood Care Home is a certified Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) care home – part of a national scheme recognising care providers that offer enhanced support for those who have served in the armed forces.
The initiative, backed by organisations including the Royal British Legion and Royal Star & Garter, aims to improve the health, wellbeing and social connections of veterans in residential care by ensuring their experiences are recognised and supported.
Staff at the care home have undertaken additional training to better understand the needs of veterans and ensure a person-centred approach that recognises and honours their service.
Cathy Shaw, Home Manager at Holmewood Care Home, said: “John’s memories serve as a powerful reminder of the experiences and sacrifices of the National Service generation and demonstrate how deeply personal memories can remain, even for those living with dementia.
“Many residents with dementia come to life when discussing their vocation and John is still very knowledgeable about the places he has visited and his past as a mechanic.
“As a Veteran Friendly Framework care home, it’s incredibly important to us that we recognise and celebrate the experiences of residents like John, particularly on occasions such as Armed Forces Day.”