John enlisted on 3rd March 1913. He was 19 years and 4 months old, and was a Labourer by trade. He entered the war in France on 15th August 1914 as part of the Regimental Medical Officer's team for the 1st Bn. Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry. On 7th February 1915 he returned to England. He served with various units (but which are not clear on his service record), although he did serve with the hospital ship "Goorkha" from 29th May 1918 to 9th March 1919. On 29th May 1918 he was appointed the rank of Lance Corporal.