John was born on 13th April 1874 at Tinahask school, Arklow where his father Denis was teacher. [Information kindly provided by John's family] He enlisted on 15th January 1915 and joined at Co. Cavan, Ireland the same day, he was 36 years and 9 months old, a Clerk by trade, and living in Co Armagh at the time. He entered the war in France on the 5th October the same year. In January 1916, whilst a night orderly in the Field Ambulance, John took a dizziness in the head and then became unconscious for a short time. On the report of the Medical Board, dated 3rd July 1916, it states that, amongst other symptoms, John lost power in his right arm and legs and left side of face, and he was unable to stand or walk without assistance. He was also unable to see with his left eye, although he could see with his right eye, and the angle of his mouth was drawn to the left side. The report also concludes that although the origin was uncertain, it was also a result of active service - strain and exposure! A report dated 25th February 1918 stated "Total incapacity through Cerebral Hemorrhage and Incapacity 50% through eyesight, constant attendance required." John was discharged on 24th July 1916, no longer physically fit for war service, due to his sickness. He was the husband of Mary Mullarchy of Middleton, Co. Armagh. [Information source: MIC, CWGC and pension record]. John has only recently been accepted by the CWGC as a casualty of the Great War. He was identified and put forward for commemoration by the Armagh War Memorial Project [Information kindly provided by Arthur J Clarke. (Portrait photograph courtesy of John's family)]