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.
George was born at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire on 9 July 1869, the second son of William and Lucy (possibly nee Smith) Thurlow. George was a pupil of the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Ernest was born at Ashwell, Hertfordshire 28 March 1878, the second son of James and Charlotte (nee Huffer) Worboys. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.