18/05/2026
Today's object highlight is the medal set of S/Sgt John Pluck, RAPC. 🎖
According to the RAPC Seniority Lists, Staff-Sergeant John Pluck transferred into the corps in February 1953 as a Corporal. He had previously served in the Korean War 1950/51 with the Middlesex Regiment. By November he had been promoted to Acting Sergeant and was stationed in East Africa. In 1954 he moved over to Nairobi, Kenya, and would remain here until September 1957.
The RAPC journals note Pluck's skill in sports, specifically in shooting. He is mentioned continuously across multiple issues of the journal, from 1961-1967. The Autumn 1961 edition reads;-
'Individually Sgt Pluck put up a splendid performance by gaining a place in the Army Hundred and was awarded the ARA Medal. He also won the Walking Man Competition for which he was awarded the ARA Silver Spoon.'
In 1963 he would move from Canterbury to Aldershot, and in December he was posted to the Mons Officer Cadet School. In January 1966 he would move again, this time to the RAPC HQ at Worthy Down.
On 14th August 1967 S/Sgt John Pluck was discharged from the Army, with the Autumn 1967 edition of the RAPC Journal stating:-
'There was an air of nostalgia and sadness at the Team Dinner which was held on the last night of the Army Meeting, as the opportunity was taken to say an official farewell to S/Sgt John Pluck. [He] has now retired to civilian life where it is hoped he will somehow manage to keep on shooting.'
Medals (L-R):
1939-1945 War Medal, Korea Medal 1950-1953, United Nations Korea War Medal w/ Korea clasp, General Service Medal w/ Malaya & Cyprus Clasps, and Africa General Service Medal w/ Kenya clasp.
******er
