John was born in Falkenham in1895. He worked as a Cowman on a farm with his father, John Barham, in 1911.  He lived at Charity Cottage Falkenham before enlisting in December 1915. He was the only child of John and Louisa Thurman.

 

He joined 1st Battalion, Queens Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) in April 1916.  He is thought to have died on the first day of the second battle of Arras, 09 April 1917 aged 22.  His mother and father are believed to have committed suicide in March 1918 following the death of John. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial.