John was born on the 23rd May 1890 to James and Isabela Anderson, of Hartlepool, County Durham. John is known to have had two sisters, Jessie and Martha, and a brother named Simpson. The family resided at 18 Cleveland Road but later relocated to 16 Bell Street following the death of the father, James.

In 1901, John was working as a Millwright. He joined the Navy on the 10th February 1913. He went on to serve in several ships, the final of which was Hood. He was 51 years old when he died.

John Anderson is remembered in Hartlepool on H115.16 in West Hartlepool W111.22 and on List of Ships’ crews

H.M.S. Hood Roll of Honour
The CWGC entry for Engine Room Artificer Anderson