William was the eldest son of Henry William and Sarah Lilla (nee Ball) born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 3 October 1893. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Edward was the second son of Edward Smith Ashby and Agnes Selina (nee Woodcock) Ashby, born in Harston, Cambridgeshire on 5 September 1886. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Henry was born in Melbourn, Cambridgeshire second son of David and Ellen (nee Hobbs) Dellar. Henry was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School, Ashwell.
Julius was the second of five sons of Julius James Eversden and Emma (nee Harradine) Eversden of Ashwell. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School, Ashwell.
Herbert was born in the 4th quarter 1893 at Ashwell, Hertfordshire, the second son of Benjamin John and Agnetta (nee Covington) Waldock of Ashwell. Herbert was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell and before enlisting he was a baker in Shefford, Bedfordshire.