A Nairn native, John was awarded the D.C.M. for gallantry in the field in the face of the enemy for service with the Seaforth Highlanders' 8th battalion signalling section. He had played with the Seaforth Highlanders' team during the 1919-20 season (while they were based in Nairn) before playing for Nairn as a trialist goalkeeper in February 1920.