Son of Richard and Grace Dorber and brother of Fred, Ernest, George, William, Sam and Elsie. Prior to the war John had worked as a clerk at Osram Lamp Works, and lived at 35 Regent Square, Salford, Lancashire. John tried to join the army in Manchester but was rejected due to visual impairment, determined to do his bit he went to work at Morfa Camp, Conway and was finally passed as fit for service in June 1915. The only personal effects returned to his family was John’s identity disc, on receipt of this his mother writes “Very sorry to receive same. Would like his wallet & ring which was initialled JHD. If it should come in your possession please forward.”