John Gwynne Griffith was born in Taraghur, India on 23rd June 1874 to Lt-Col John Gilbert Griffith of the Indian Staff Corps and his wife Fanny Augusta. When the family moved to Cheltenham they were living at Fairfield House, Leckhampton

John was educated at Stubbington House School and Dulwich College. He married Florence Ethel Baker at St. Philip and St. James’ Church, on 15th June 1889.

The couple lived at 29 Park Place, Cheltenham. In his will he left all his property to his wife including the estate of ‘Hodges Pen’ in Jamaica, West Indies.

John was a professional soldier who had an illustrious career. His military career began in 1893 when he joined the 3rd (Militia) Battalion of the South Wales Borderers. During his military work he was on plague duty in India; officiating Inspector Officer with the Imperial Service Cavalry and Military Attaché in Bombay. Selected as one of eight senior subalterns, John took part in operations in South Africa, in the Transvaal and Orange River County.

In 1911 he was sent to Australia for two years as Director of Military Training. Whilst home on leave war was declared and John joined the 7th Cavalry, becoming Brigade Major of the 9th Cavalry. He embarked for France on 20th October 1914.

On 24th May 1915, at the Battle of Bellewaarde, south east of Ypres, he was killed instantly whilst giving orders to his brigade. Lord French mentioned him in despatches a few days later for gallant and distinguished service in the field. General Greenly wrote of him “He was the sort of English gentleman who has made the Empire what it is.”

He is buried at Ypres Town Cemetery, Menin Road and commemorated in Cheltenham on the Cheltenham war memorial and on his parent’s grave in St. Peters, Leckhampton.