He was the son of Mrs Power of 35 or 37 Usway Street, Hebburn Quay.
He was born at Greencastle, Co. Antrim. He attended the St Aloysius R.C. School, leaving in 1899.
He originally had enlisted in 'D' Company, 25th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers. (2nd Battalion Tyneside Irish) in Newcastle originally having a Serial number of 25/541.