Sgt J. Stokoe was from the Durham mining field of West Cornforth.
After joing the RAFVR in June, 1939, he was called to full-time service.
He served for a very short period on 263 Squadron before moving to 603 [City of Edinburgh] Squadron. He served with 603 Squadron throughout the Battle of Britain period.

The following year he served on 54 and 74 Squadrons before moving on to training units.