John Sandford was the son of William and Eliza Sandford. He was born on 21st June 1890. He was the youngest of three children, all born in the Moneymore area. John’s father died a year after he was born. John was a medical student. He served with the 4th Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment. In December 1917 he left the army to resume his medical studies. The Roll of Honour of Tamlaght National School (from the Mid Ulster Mail dated 10th June 1916) lists Lieutenant Sandford.