John had previously worked on the land, had been a butcher and also a mechanic, however he found his ‘life’s work’ in the Salvation Army. He became a member when young and had been connected with it for roughly twenty years, holding four appointments - one, for about a year, in Campbeltown; another in Saltcoats; and two in Annan. He had spent a considerable time on the life assurance staff, but his last four or five years was as a field officer, and he had risen to the rank of captain. John was called up for war service on 4th July 1918. He was 34 years and two months old, and was living at 33 Moat Road, Annan, at the time. He was posted to “B” Coy R.A.M.C., and then transferred to the 2nd Training Battalion, Blackpool on the 6th. He had just completed his training and returned from embarkation leave with the prospect of being despatched for service abroad, when he was taken ill. John was told by the doctors that he had bronchial pneumonia, following influenza. However he didn’t believe this to be correct, and told his wife a few days before his death that he was dying and told her the day when he would die. He explained to her that in training with the gas mask he had imbibed some of the gas, and he was counting the days, as he had heard the doctor in his lecture count them, when its effects would prove fatal. His forecast proved correct, and subsequently it was found he had taken notes of the lectures he had heard, and amongst these were the details of gas action that he had talked about to his wife. He was conscious up to the last moment, and talked freely and confidently of his approaching change. John died in the Fylde Auxiliary Hospital (Kirkham Military Hospital), Kirkham, Lancs. The funeral took place on following Wednesday, and a service was held in the Salvation Army Hall on the Sunday evening, conducted by Brigadier Gilks. He was the husband of Edith Annie Lambley of 2 Acacia Villas, Woodbridge Road, Guildford. They had two children.