John Thomas Furness was born about 1879 in Barnard Castle.

He attested 17 September 1914. He joined the N.E.R. Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers, Pte 649. John was a platelayer. He was 33 years 4 months old and was married to Margaret Bell. They lived at Monks End, Aycliffe.

John was 5' 5 3/4" tall and weighed 1401/2 lbs.

John had married Margaret in 1906 and had a daughter, Eva May, born 1906 and a son, John Robert, born 1914.

By July 5 1915 John became medically unfit to serve.

John died May 30, 1932, age 54, and is buried in St. Andrew's Churchyard, Aycliffe.