John was born in Ashwell in 1898, fifth son of John George and Elizabeth Jane (nee Lester). John was pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Arthur was born on 12 October 1880 in Ashwell, Hertfordshire, the eldest of four sons of Benjamin and Esther (nee Huffer) Bryant, He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylor School in Ashwell.