John was born in December 1919 in Willesden, London to Jacob and Ruth nee Nordwald and he had an older brother and sister. Their father worked as a stockbroker and in 1939 the family lived at 19 Ranulf Road in Hendon. They were members of the West London (Reform) Synagogue.

John enlisted in 1940 and trained as a navigator. John was the navigator on Wellington DV932 which departed RAF Harwell on daylight training. The aircraft landed too long and attempted to overshoot, but stalled whilst avoiding trees and crashed killing five of the crew.

Pilot, Donald Bradshaw, 1281428
Flying Instructor, Herbert Edward James Giles, 115136
Aero engine mechanic, LAC Gordon Stewart Miller, R/94347, RCAF
Radar Mechanic, Corporal Donald Vail, R/99576, RCAF
Sgt N. Wade RAF injured.