John was educated at Sydney University, where he graduated M.B. in 1905 and Ch.M. in 1911. After filling the posts of resident medical officers of the Women’s Hospital, Sydney, and of junior resident medical officer of the public hospital at Perth, Western Australia, he came to England, took the D.P.H. of the London Colleges in 1910, and was appointed honorary assistant physician to the Chelsea Tuberculin Dispensary. He took up a temporary commission as lieutenant in the R.A.M.C. on 1st December 1914, and was promoted to Captain after one years service. He entered the war in France on 6th April 1915. John was the son of G. Neville Griffiths of Sydney, and of Wooroowoolgeon, Casino, Australia; and the husband of Constance Griffiths of 35 Compton Road, Winchmore Hill, Middlesex.