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.
Harold was the second son of John and Caroline (nee Waldock) Picking born on 10 July 1888 at Ashwell, Hertfordshire. Harold’s parents both died before he was ten and he went to live with relatives in the village. He was a pupil of the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
William was born in the 31 March 1873 at Ashwell, Hertfordshire, the third son of Levi and Mary Ann (nee Goss) Waldock. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Harry was the third son of James and Louisa (nee Flitton Marriott) Wilkerson born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire in the 2nd quarter 1897.