John was born on 29 September 1898 in Southport, Lancashire to John Todd and Ann Baker. He had recently completed a three year apprenticeship for the London City and Midland Bank prior to enlisting. John served in the Royal Air Force 9th Training Squadron as an 2nd Lieutenant in WW1, service no. ID 3066864 and died on 29 July 1918 in Sedgeford near Hunstanton, Norfolk, England. He was buried on 03 August 1918 in St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard, Churchtown, Southport.