(He/Him/His)
John joined the Royal Navy at 18 years old in 1989 and specialised as a Weapons Engineering Mechanic (Radio), Following further training in HMS Dolphin he joined the submarine service. John disclosed his sexuality to a Chaplain which triggered an investigation. He was interrogated by the SIB Special Investigation Branch and discharged from service for being Gay.
Following discharge John approached Stonewall for advice and his case was adopted into a legal challenge alongside three other discharged personnel. This test case progressed through the domestic courts and was finally heard by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg who overturned the military Ban.
In 1996 John joined the police service and achieved the rank of Inspector before his retirement, He spent a period on Foreign Office secondment in Jordan training overseas police officers. He qualified as an EMCC Coach and has a background in training and development. He was awarded a police commendation in 2016 for his work supporting the local community. John also represented the UK at the European LGBT+ Police Association Conference.
John’s hobbies include exploring the Peak District, military history, travel and 1980s pop music. He applied for the VCW role to help support Veterans who served both during and after the Ban.
Royal Hospital Chelsea Veterans’ Outreach – Time and Date TBC (Please contact if you’re interested!)
Proving to be increasingly popular, this event is a wonderful way to meet new people, and have a look around the historic iconic Royal Hospital, and meet some of the pensioners. Everyone is wonderfully welcoming, and are keen to meet you all.
Please email [email protected] for more info if you’d like to come along.
Chelsea Gate
Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road
SW3 4SR
Closest Tube: Sloane Square (10 min walk)
Parking Available
GSTT Armed Forces Drop-In – Every third Tuesday of the month, 1100-1400
This relatively new drop-in is run by Guys and St Thomas’ Armed Forces Network, a fantastic network in the trust who work hard to ensure both patients and staff alike who have an Armed Forces connection are well looked after and understood. They do have food and drink on offer at this one, too! It’s a great place to meet other organisations or learn more about what the Armed Forces Networks across the NHS Trusts do. Please check with me to confirm attendance if you do plan on going along to and would like to come along with me!
Ronald McDonald House Charities
Evelina House London
216 Lambeth Road
London
SE1 7JY
Closest Tube: Waterloo
St Pancras Hospital Drop-In – Every last Thursday of the month, 1700-1900
I recommend coming along to this well-established Drop-In if you have a specific query that you’d like an answer to or support with, such as housing, a DWP/ finance query, or a question regarding mental or physical health support. It’s a drop-in run by the amazing London OpCourage team, but it’s open to all Veterans.
The London OpCourage team are very supportive and has a great LGBT+ lead who you are always welcome to reach out to contact via myself if you are looking for further Mental Health support.
West Wing
St Pancras Hospital
London
NW1 0PE
Closest Tube: Kings’ Cross/Mornington Crescent (10 min walk)
Bromley FC Veterans’ Community Hub – Last Friday of the month, 1100-1300
This drop-in is really new, but very well attended and is held at Bromley FC – in their beautiful brand-new cafe. It’s a great place for a bit of a social before the weekend, they provide a really delicious breakfast and have excellent coffee on offer! There is also a wide range of organisations that attend, so if you have anything you’d like support with, this is a great way of getting more info.
Bromley Football Club
Haynes Lane
Bromley
BR2 9EF
Closest Station: Bromley South
Parking Available
London Pride is planned to take place on Saturday 29th June 2025. We hope once again to join the Armed Forces contingent for the pride march, and we will update you when we have more information, in the meantime pencil it in your diary!
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