John Leslie Wilmott from Melton Mowbray worked for a Heating and Ventilation company prior to enlisting into the Royal Artillery on 1 September 1939. He later volunteered for special service joining No.6 Commando.

Gunner Wilmott was initially reported as killed in action in Tunisia on 6 December 1942 and his parents were informed as such. However it was later discovered that he had been wounded and was a prisoner of war in hospital. Gunner Wilmott was treated in Italian hospitals for the next 5 months until he recovered and  remained in captivity until 1945. He was discharged from military service on 9 March 1946 and joined the Metropolitan Police, residing at the Police Section House in Molet Road, Bow, London E3. In 1968 he and his wife Irene were residing in the Police Cottages, St. Albans Road, Potters Bar. He retired in the mid 70's after 30 years police service and moved back to Melton Mowbray. Member of the Commando Association.