Although the National Roll of Honour describes John as having been killed by a sniper on the Somme Front, the Battalion War Diary of 4th Bn, The King's (Liverpool Regiment) records that on 16 April 1918 the Battalion was in action in the area of Metreren, west of Bailleul.

A report in the Battalion War Diary records:

"To 98th Infantry Brigade.

The following is a brief report of the action taken by the Battalion under my command (which was commanded during the first three days by Capt.G.H.E.Warburton.M.C.) in the operations around METEREN during the period 15th/18th April 1918.

I regret very much, owing to the very heavy casualties amongst Officers, I am not in a position to give as much detail as I would like, The Adjutant, Assistant Adjutant and Intelligence Officer became casualties.

On the afternoon of the 13th inst at 5.0.p.m. the Bn left the Asylum, BAILLEUL, and precedded to position north of METEREN in support to the 19th Infantry Brigade.

The Bn was heavily shelled and had many casualties while in the support position.

At 9.0.p.m. on the 14th inst the Bn moved forward to a position lying along the road south of METEREN, approx.X.20.b.5.0. X.21.a up to X.16.d. The 5th Scottish Rifles were on the right and the Tank Corps on the left.

The next 24 hours in this position were fairly quiet.

At 5.0.a.m. on the 16th inst O.C. C.Coy reported to Bn Hdrs that the Tank Corps had evacuated the position in the front line on his left without letting him know. Two platoons were at once sent forward by Capt. Warburton to try and fill the gap but did not succeed in reaching the position before the enemy launched his attack.

At 5.30.a.m. the enemy attacked very heavily without much bombardment and succeeded in penetrating theline through the gap left by the Tank Corps at 16.c. B.Coy on the right stood fast and the left of the line was withdrawn and reformed on line X.20.b.5.0. to x.15.d. and so on throught the village. It was then discovered the left front Coy (C) had practically disappeared. The new position was taken up by two platoons of Coy.

At 11.0.a.m. Officers patrol went through METEREN and discovered the enemy strongly were in it. The remainder of the day was fairly quiet and was spent in trying to clear up situation and consolidate line we were holding.

At 11.0.a.m. on the 16th inst the enemy attacked the right of the BN. line at X.20.b. The attack was repulsed with loss to the enemy.

At 6.0.p.m. on the 17th inst the enemy heavily attacked the line in front of farm X.15.c.2.9. This attack was successful in entirely restoring the line. The remainder of the day was fairly quiet.

At about 6.0.p.m. during the attack on the farm the enemy succeeded in surrounding D Coy Hdrs where the following officers were holding a conference:

Capt.G.H.E.Warburton. C. Adjutant

2nd Lieut.G.C.Gibb. Int. Officer

Lieut.D.H.P.C. C. Coy Commander.

2nd Lieut.C.P.Fraser Coy Officer.

2nd Lieut.J.Harrison. Lewis Gun Officer.

Capt.G.H.E.Warburton.M.C. and 2nd Lieu.G.C.Gibb made a desperate attempt to fight their way out and I regret to say both were killed. As the other officers have not been seen since I presume they have been captured. The death of Capt.G.H.E.Warburton.M.C. is particularly regretted as he had just handed over command to Major.J.H.L.Browne prior to calling back for a rest when he went forward to B.Coy Hdrs.

The remnants of the Bn was relieved on the night of 18/19th and marched back to BOSCHEPE.

Total casualties during operations:-

20 Officers and 469 O.Rks

I will forward in due course names of certain Officers, N.C.Os and men whom I wish to bring to the notice of G.O.C. for gallantry and good work during the operations."