John Francis Bluff

Born in London, he was working as a labourer when he joined the 1st Battalion DLI as a Regular soldier in May 1900 aged 18. He served in South Africa during the Boer War and in India on the North West Frontier during the Great War, rising to the rank of Colour Sergeant - Orderly Room Sergeant. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) in 1920 for "valuable services rendered in India in connection with the War". John Bluff was discharged from the Army in October 1920

According to his Army Book 358 entry, John Bluff was living at 16 North Parade, Bootham, York when he was discharged. His father, Francis, lived at 21 Dagnan Road, Balham Hill, London.