John Fretwell

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery

John Fretwell joined the British Army at just 16 years old, beginning what would become a distinguished 22-year career with the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (1RHA).

After completing basic training, John was posted to Germany, where he began working in the Motor Transport (MT) department. It was here that his passion for driving first developed. As a young soldier, he admired experienced drivers and quickly set his sights on mastering his own vehicle, something that would shape his entire career.

Over the years, John operated and maintained a wide range of military vehicles, including DAF, Bedford, and Foden platforms. He also served as a loader on the AS90 before returning to Motor Transport, the role he describes as his true calling.

Through dedication and experience, John rose through the ranks to become MT Sergeant of E Battery 1RHA, responsible for managing his own fleet and leading a team. His service took him across multiple operational deployments, including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, alongside a posting at the Driving and Maintenance School in Bovington.

He ultimately achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2.

Despite the responsibility and progression, John’s fondest memories remained rooted in driving, the independence, craftsmanship, and pride that came with being behind the wheel.

When his service ended in 2014, he faced a challenge familiar to many veterans: finding direction and purpose in civilian life.

After settling in Doncaster, John explored several roles, including work in healthcare and ambulance driving. While these opportunities provided employment, they did not offer the same structure, teamwork, or sense of identity he had experienced in the Army.

Over time, uncertainty began to take its toll, and John decided to seek support.

That decision led him to Veterans into Logistics.

From the moment he made contact, progress began quickly. Within a week, John had completed his medical and started the process of reinstating his Category CE licence. He went on to complete 35 hours of Driver CPC training, received updated CPC and digital tachograph cards, and undertook refresher driver training with a local company, rebuilding both his skills and his confidence.

The impact was immediate.

At 51, John returned to professional driving as a Class 1 HGV driver, securing work with Warrior Link. Working nights and back behind the wheel, he rediscovered the enjoyment and sense of purpose that had been missing since leaving service.

In his words:

“My own truck, my own space, it feels great to be finally doing something I enjoy. It’s early days, but the future looks brighter. I’ve got a great job and it feels like I’m back in the driving seat again.”

John’s journey highlights something we see time and time again, that skills gained during military service remain incredibly valuable, but access to the right support can be the difference between uncertainty and opportunity.

Through targeted retraining, practical guidance, and veteran-focused support, John was able to rebuild his confidence, return to a career he loves, and move forward with clarity.

His story is a powerful example of how experience, combined with the right opportunity, can help veterans rediscover purpose after service.

At Veterans into Logistics, our mission is to remove barriers and create pathways into sustainable careers. For John, that pathway led him back to where he always belonged… Behind the wheel.