1901 census George Wallis, 43, Coachman, born Marton, Yorkshire, and his wife Jane, 35, born Bishopton, Durham, were living at Halnaby, near Croft, Yorkshire. Their son, John G Wallis was 16, a Joiner's Apprentice.

John George Wallis was born in Stockton on Tees about 1885. He married Ann Ethel Turnbull late 1909. Ann was born about 1885 in Heighington.

In the 1911 census they had been married for 1 year and had a 3 month old daughter, Jane, born in Coundon. They lived at 3, Frederick Street, Coundon in 1911. John George Wallis was a joiner and cartwright. They had 3 more children, Alice, baptized November 29, 1914, John George, baptized May 20, 1917, and Thomas, baptized April 18, 1920.

Thursday, May 4, 1915 John attested at Ferryhill. He was 31 years and 3 months old and was now living at Woodham Cottages, Rushyford.

He sat a trade proficiency test. He passed this test and a telegram was sent from the Central Recruiting Office at Leeds to the Ferryhill Recruiting Officer informing them of this and that John had been ordered to report to the office at Ferryhill to complete documents and be there ready to go away on Monday. John received his telegram the same day telling him to report on Friday, May, 5 to his recruiting officer.

There is a headed letter from John's employer, Davidson & Sons, (Motor Cars, horses, brakes and Conveyance) at West House, Coundon, who was agreeable to his release.

John was Private, 146166. Unit: 3/3 SARB, Royal Garrison Artillery.