John Thomas Brierley, known as Jack, was the son of Thomas and Alice Brierley, of Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada. He enlisted in the 10th Canadian Field Ambulance as a First Aid Man on 17 July 1942 and was attached to 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion. He was 5' 9", 126 Ibs, clear complexion, blue eyes, brown hair, 20/20 vision. He volunteered for the canadian Airborne Forces having previously served with The 10th Canadian Field Ambulance. He was a qualified 'Stretcher Bearer" and had been trained in "Advanced Driving"

Jack left Canada for the the UK on 17 December 1942 and successfully completed his parachute training at RAF Ringway on 8 April 1944. He took off on 6 June 1944 for action in the Normandy Invasion, Op. Overlord.  

Jack was killed in action on 2 August 1944, aged 22, and was buried in Ranville War Cemetery,  Ref: IA.G.16., Calvados, France.