Episode 7: John McOwan

Blind veteran John, sitting at a desk with a large notepad, pen in hand, writing his memoirs

About John

Like many of his young friends, John enlisted in the TA at 18 and admits he was “naively not giving much thought to the imminence of another war.” Just nine months later the Second World War broke out and, as he had experience of repairing clocks in his father’s jewellery shop, he was transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corp.

John served throughout the war, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He wrote his war-time memoirs during the pandemic at the age of 101. His exquisite stories detail his time in the revered 7th Armoured Division, Desert Rats, in the Middle East, Cairo, Italy and the Normandy landings.

With macular degeneration and a pseudophakia (false lens) in both eyes, we provided him with equipment to support him in his project, including a magnifier and lighting, while one of our volunteers spent over 120 hours typing his handwritten notes. John says the project was therapeutic and gave him something to focus on during the lockdown.

John received several campaign medals for his service, including the 1939-1945 Star. In 2019, at the age of 98, he visited Dunkirk and Normandy to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings. Sadly, he passed away in 2024, aged 103.

Blind veteran John, sitting at a desk with a large notepad, pen in hand, writing his memoirs
Blind veteran John writing his memoirs
A black and white portrait of a young John during his days of service wearing his military uniform
Blind veteran John in 1939
Blind veteran John at an event wearing his beret and military medals
Blind veteran John in 2019
"I thought to myself so many veterans have passed away leaving their families desperate to know what they did in the war and now I had the opportunity to write my story. I hope my story will make others appreciate the horrors and grief war leaves behind."
John McOwan
Blind veteran

John's book has been published and a special launch was held at his local bookshop Whitie's in Peebles.

Find out how to buy a copy

Episodes

Episode 1: Barbara Bell

Barbara speaks to us about her early life, her time in the war and how she lost her sight.

An archive photograph of a young blind veteran Barbara sitting on an armchair and sewing

Episode 2: Fred Bentley

Fred talks about his wartime experiences, his career after service, his late wife and his time with our charity.

Blind veteran Fred, left, wearing a poppy at a Remembrance event

Episode 3: Billy Baxter

Billy tells of the devastation of losing his sight, and working for Blind Veterans UK at our Llandudno Centre.

A close-up of blind veteran Billy, looking across the room

Episode 4: Jim Hooper

Jim gives an account of his time in the Second World War and talks about battling sight loss.

A close-up of blind veteran Jim, wearing a maroon beret with a suit and tie

Episode 5: Ron Cross

Ron opens up about his time serving during the D-Day landings and remembers those who were lost in the war.

A photo of Ron Cross a blind veteran

Episode 6: Elizabeth Diacon

Elizabeth tells us about her wartime experiences, her time working at Bletchley Park and her life after the war.

Blind veteran Elizabeth smiling