Frederick was born in Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 10 September 1887 the only son of Mark and Maryann (nee Oyston) Clements. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
John was born in the Chester District, Cheshire on 1 October 1880, seventh child of Samuel and Penelope Jones (nee Burns) Davies. Before enlisting John was a brewer’s labourer in Ashwell, Hertfordshire.
Charles was the eldest son of Richard Victor E and Martha (nee Hall) Westrope, born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire on 29 December 1894. Charles was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.