John was the older brother of George, being born in Belfast Ireland in 1884. The brothers travelled to Western Australia and both would work in the port city of Fremantle. John worked as a dairy and produce merchant while George was a Grocer. They lived in McCleery Street South Fremantle.
John and George enlisted together on the 13th January 1916 at the Swan Barracks in Perth. The medical officer recorded John’s physical attributes as; 5 feet 5 & ¾ inches in height; weight of 122 lbs; cheat measurement of 33-35 inches; fresh complexion; blue eyes and fair hair. Under distinctive marks, the doctor had written that John had two scars, one on the right bicep and one on the right forearm. He also had a birthmark on his left bicep. John’s religious denomination was also listed as Presbyterian. Prior to embarking overseas John Married Mary Murray in Fremantle and she would live in High Street East Fremantle while John was away.
As with George, John was assigned to the 1st Reinforcements to the 44th Battalion. John’s service career mirrored that of George as they both served on the Western Front from December 1916 to March 1918 and John was even appointed Lance Corporal on the same day as George.
In the action at Sailly-le-Sec on the 28th March 1918 where George was killed, John was wounded by a bullet through the elbow. He was sent to the 11th Field Ambulance for initial treatment. John was soon sent to the 22nd General Hospital at Camiers.
On the 1st April 1918 John was put on a hospital ship and sent to England where he was admitted to the 1st Birmingham War Hospital. John was under treatment here for a few weeks but on the 18th April he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Dartford. His wound was assessed and the bullet had done enough damage to the elbow which would prevent any further active service for John.
On the 24th April 1918 John was given a two week furlough, after which he reported to No.2 Command Depot on 8th May. On the 17th June 1918 John boarded a transport ship for Australia, reaching Fremantle on the 5th August 1918.
John was sent to No.8 AGH in South Terrace Fremantle for a medical check up and he was discharged from the AIF on the 21st February 1919.
