John Maxwell (‘Max’) Mouna was born March quarter 1920 in Liverpool, the son of John Louis Mouna a plumber, and Florence Mouna (nee Dickinson). They subsequently moved to Maesmawr House, Llangollen. In the Lancashire Hussars Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery, he became a POW June 4, 1941, and was later in Stalag 18A, Wolfsberg where he participated in performances at the camp theatre, playing keyboard.