John was educated at Edinburgh University, and at St George's Hospital, London, qualifying L.R.C.P. & S in 1887. He took up a commissioned within the Medical Services at the rank of Surgeon Captain on 28th July 1891. In 1892 he qualified M.R.C.S. In 1898 he went to Sudan where he served in the Nile Campaign, receiving the medal and the Khedive’s Bronze Star. During the Battle of Omdurman he was attached to the Grenadier Guards. From 1900 to 1902 he saw active service again in the South African War, receiving the King’s and Queen’s South African Medals with 5 clasps, and being awarded a special promotion to the rank of Major on 29th November 1900 for his services. He gained further promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on 4th May 1912, and was stationed in Edinburgh when war was declared. He proceeded to Woolwich were he formed No 1 Advanced Depot of Medical Stores, becoming the Commanding Officer. The unit was formed on 12th August, then sailed from Southampton to Rouen on the 17th. He received promotion to the rank of Colonel on 1st March 1915. He died at a military hospital in London. He was the son of the Rev Edward Austin of Hendlesham, Sussex.