John enlisted on 20th October 1915. He was 20 years and 2 months old; was a Hairdresser by trade; and was living at 32 Glenwood Avenue, Westcliff on sea at the time. He embarked at Southampton on 11th April 1916, then disembarking the next day at Rouen, entered the war in France on 12th April 1916. He was posted to serve with the 20th Field Ambulance, joining them in the field on 20th April 1916. On 27th July he was admitted into No 3 Casualty Clearing Station suffering with myalgia, then evacuated to No 1 Convalescent Depot via No 29 Ambulance Train on 2nd August 1916. He joined Base Details in Rouen on 5th September then returned to the 20th Field Ambulance on the 10th. On 27th February 1917 he returned to Base Details and was posted to serve with the 141st Field Ambulance, joining them in the field on 5th March 1917. John developed epilepsy through military service, suffering 2 fits whilst serving. Both times he was admitted to the hospital of a field ambulance. On 4th July 1919 he proceeded to No 1 Concentration Camp, Cologne for dispersal and was struck off the strength of the unit. He was demobilized on 4th March 1920.