In Conversation

IN CONVERSATION WITH

MAJOR GENERAL JOHN STOKOE CB CBE

David Birley

DB Your career is like a Boys Own adventure story, you joined the Army as a boy and rose through the ranks to Major General. How did it all begin?

JS I was born in 1947 in Harrogate. My father was a regimental sergeant major in the Royal Signals and we travelled the world. We were in Cyprus and then Egypt. We returned from there on the troopship Empire Windrush – better known for its role in the Windrush Generation. Most of my secondary school time was in Hong Kong. We returned when I was fourteen and I went to Richmond Grammar School in Yorkshire.

DB Did you have a happy childhood?

JS Yes, I did - it was great fun. Moving around so much you made friends quickly. After Hong Kong I could not settle at an English Grammar School and I thought ‘how could I get out of schooling?’ The only way I could think of was to be an Army Apprentice Tradesman. I was fifteen and three days when I signed my papers and found myself back in Harrogate in 1963 for three years. I was promoted to Lance Corporal and sent to the Royal Signals depot so they could see what I was made of. Deemed appropriate for officer training, I went to Sandhurst for two years and was then commissioned in 1968.

DB Because you had come up through the ranks did you get your leg pulled by the public school types at Sandhurst?

JS Some found it difficult in that our backgrounds were so different. They looked down on me but it did not worry me. I was given the Royal Signals Order of Merit prize which I guess was quite an achievement for an ex-boy soldier.

DB How did your career evolve?

JS I was asked if I would like to serve with the Gurkhas in the Far East. I never had any thought of doing so, but it sounded interesting! So I went to Malaya followed by Hong Kong, India and then Nepal. That was a fascinating country with wonderful people. I have great fondness for Nepal and trekked across the Himalayas both with my work and on holiday. I also met my wife, Jenny, who was an Army Nursing Sister in Nepal, caring for Gurkha families and Nepalese hill people. I then joined the Grenadier Guards in 1972 as a platoon commander, with tours of Germany and Northern Ireland. I returned to Northern Ireland in 1974 for two years as an intelligence officer. After various appointments, I became the Colonel responsible for Army plans in Germany then, as a Brigadier, the head of Royal Signals Germany. After my time at the Royal College of Defence Studies in 1994, I went to the MOD, responsible for Army policy, followed by two years at Army HQ at Wilton as a Major General at 48.

DB To what do you attribute your spectacular success?

JS A number of things. Firstly the unstinting support of my wife, Jenny. I also believe that if you enjoy what you are doing, those working for you will also enjoy it, which gives great satisfaction. With a good team you can manage both good and difficult times. Also not looking to the next job all the time; enjoy what you are doing and continue to be surprised at what you are asked to do next. For example when I was thinking of leaving the Army I was asked to stay on for a while as an acting Lieutenant General to become Commander of the UK Field Army, which capped it all. >

DB Had you another career in mind?

JS Not really – I was 51 and thought I would go and see what the world had to offer. I didn’t want to be just another retired major general in the defence world being used for his contacts. I was approached by Amey Services to advise them on their defence business which was fun but not quite my style. While bidding for a contract I met Lend Lease who asked me to join them. I became head of marketing for Europe and the Middle East. They designed and built large developments such as the Bluewater retail complex, the Olympic Park in Stratford and the new Elephant and Castle development. I really enjoyed construction, spending a lot of time on the road getting out and about. Sitting in an office doesn’t achieve much.

DB Do you have any regrets?

JS None at all. I enjoyed every minute. I felt I could make a difference and have a positive impact on people. I was in the Army at the right time when it had major global reach and was in Industry when it was coming out of recession and generating significant prospects. However, my experiences from prolonged intelligence work over two years in Northern Ireland in the mid 1970s had a profound impact on my later life after leaving the Army. I still suffer from PTSD for which I receive regular treatment. The Combat Stress charity has been a huge help over the years.

DB What have you learnt along the way?

JS That people are key, as is the way you treat them. The youngest member of your team is as important as the oldest. Also to teach and train people so they can achieve their goals. Not to overly criticise as that demoralises everyone.

DB What brought you to Sherborne?

JS We lived in Ashmore on the Cranborne Chase, moving here in 2013 to be in a larger community, able to walk to shops etc. We had friends living in Sherborne and spent a day with them looking round the town and thought ‘this is the one!’ We have made numerous friends amongst the wonderful people here.

DB What are you involved in now?

JS I have worked for a number of military charities and now work for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund. It helps me put something back into the Army which gave me such a rewarding life. I am also a school governor. A friend introduced me to the Dorset Historic Churches Trust of which I am now chairman. Our task is to help preserve the wonderful historic church buildings in Dorset for us all to enjoy. We will assist with projects such as tower repairs, roofing and heating. Our only fundraising event is our Ride and Stride day which happens in September and we put all our effort into it. It raises around £90,000 which enables us to give grants to needy churches three times a year. I have also just started with the CPRE, advising on the regeneration of Sherborne town centre.

DB What do you do in your down time?

JS Jenny and I walk a lot – we love the Jurassic coast. During lockdown we discovered so many walks around Sherborne. I also paint – fiddling around with pencils and watercolours!

DB Do you have a personal wish?

JS To keep giving value to people. If I can leave this world having lived life to the best of my ability and helped people along the way, that’ll satisfy me.

DB Do you have a wish for Sherborne?

JS For Sherborne to become once again the vibrant heart of Dorset. Sherborne is a lovely town but there are areas that could be so much better. We need to attract investment into our town and fill our empty shops to make it a really active and exciting place.