4856746 Pte John O'Hara (known as Buck) was born near Birmingham in the West
Midlands. He joined the Leicestershire Regiment in 1932 and was posted to the 1st battalion, which at that time was stationed
at Jubbulpore in India.
India provided lots of scope for sporting activities and Buck represented the
battalion at Rugby and boxing. He also joined the corps of drums and was appointed a Drummer. In 1938 the battalion was
posted to the dangerous North West Frontier of India. Buck was particularly proud to have been stationed at Razmak, one
of the remotest of the frontier outposts. He also took part in a number of engagements with hostile tribesmen.
Shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, Buck completed in his colour
service and returned to England. The 1st battalion however was soon to be posted to Singapore and he lost many of his friends
either in battle against the Japanese or in captivity after the fall of Singapore.
