John was born approximately 1891 in Kimberley, Nottinghamshire. He was on of thirteen children, nine of whom survived infancy. John worked in the lace trade, as did many of his family, and was employed as a lace hand in 1907, aged 17. 

On the 18th of December 1907, John joined the Volunteer Force. This was a part-time army force that became part of the Territorial Army in 1908. When this change occurred, John became part of the 8th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire) Regiment. At the time he was living in Southall.  

His older brother, Albert Edward was also part of the 8th Battalion, having been previously enlisted with the Volunteer Force. His younger brothers, William and Gordon, also enlisted when they were old enough.   

On the 3rd August 1914, John agreed ‘to be made by an officer or man of the Territorial Force to subject himself to the liability to serve in any place outside the United Kingdom in the event of National Emergency.’ 

He landed in France with the 1/8th 2nd March 1915. Five months later he was killed in action during a German attack at Hooge, Belgium.