John was born in West Hartlepool and following his marriage to Jennie Tappenden they had a child Patricia Anne, who was born in West Hartlepool on 23rd August 1940.
John's service in the Merchant Navy started when he sailed as a Fireman and Trimmer on the maiden voyage of SS Atlantic from West Hartlepool, on 2nd September 1939. He continued as a Fireman and Trimmer on various ships until the loss of SS Medjeda in March 1941, for which he was awarded the Atlantic Star medal.
