John enlisted as a Private into the RAMC in 1904 and served at the Connaught Military Hospital, Aldershot, where he trained and qualified as a dispenser, mental health attendant and masseur. He also served as a ward orderly. John entered the war at Le Havre, France on the 14th August 1914. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal "For conspicuous gallantry, resource and marked initiative on 26th August 1914 when he forcibly took possession of and removed a complete supply train from Bonne to Etreux. The driver escaped with his engine at the latter place, and Sgt Cooke at once commandeered another engine and driver, and having placed all the wounded in the train, took it safely into Havre on 29th August. During the journey the enemy directed a heavy fire on the train, but did little damage." (The removal of the train with 150 wounded on board is mentioned in A S Brereton's book 'The Great War and the RAMC') John gained his commission on the 20th June 1916, and served as adjutant of the Gold Coast Regiment before retiring from the forces in 1920. [Information and photograph kindly provided by family]