John enlisted on 17th October 1914. He was 19 years and 60 days old, and was a Crofter by trade. He was posted to serve with the 58th Field Ambulance. He embarked at Southampton on 18th July 1915, then disembarking the next day at Havre, entered the war in France on 19th July 1915. On 14th December 1915 he was posted to serve with the 1st North Midland Field Ambulance, joining them in the field. On 27th February 1916 he became attached to the 1st Bn. Monmouth Regiment On 16th August 1918 he was admitted 'sick' into the hospital of the 1/2nd North Midland Field Ambulance, being discharged two days later, on the 18th. He transferred to serve with the 1/2nd North Midland Field Ambulance on 9th September 1918 but transferred to the 141st Field Ambulance a few days later, on the 25th. He was serving with the 141st Field Ambulance on 19th May 1919, when he proceeded to Concentration Camp for dispersal and was struck off the strength of the unit. He was transferred to Class Z Reserves on 20th June 1919.