L/Bdr John Henry Ball 5186123 was born on 25 January 1923, in Bristol. He was the son of Ernest George and ethel Anne Ball of Northwick, Gloucestershire. He volunteered for service with the airborne forces from the Royal Artillery. John became a member of 1st Special Air Service.

He died on 5 September 1943 aged just 20 and was laid to rest at The Salerno War Cemetery in Italy.