John was educated at Clifton College, Pembroke College, Cambridge, and King's College Hospital - qualified M.R.C.S., and L.R.C.P. (London) 1912. He gained a commission at the rank of temporary Lieutenant on 11th August 1914. He entered the war in France a few days later, on the 19th, with No 1 General Hospital, serving with them until 19th September 1914. He was killed by a stray bullet. An officer of the Somersets wrote: "We were all, both officers and men alike, absolutely devoted to him; he was brave as a lion, and always ready to help anybody who needed him; no name will go down in the history of the regt. with more honour than his, for everybody loved him and realised his sterling qualities." A Chairman of King's College Hospital wrote: "Your son was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him. As you know, he finished a brilliant career at the hospital by obtaining the senior scholarship of this year, and was forthwith appointed House Surgeon to Professor Sir Watson Cheyne; the latter appointment he fulfilled to the complete satisfaction of his seniors, and during his residence in hospital he considerably enhanced that high reputation he had already gained.� John was the second son of Lt.-Col J M E and Emma Catherine Waddy of "Elmswood," Haines Hill, Taunton; and the grandson of Gen. Sir Richard Waddy, K.C.B., 50th Regt.