Ralph Watson Graham was born in South Shields to Morpeth-born solicitor, Ralph Watson Graham and his wife, Sarah Ann.

He joined the High School in 1902 from Miss Wheldon's Prep School, to be joined two years later by his older brother Ralph Neville Graham.

John left the High School just before his 15th birthday to attend St Bee's School in Cumbria.

He originally joined "The Buffs", the East Kent Regiment, as Private, and later served as 2nd Lieutenant in the 4th Battalion of the Welsh Regiment.

While serving with the Welsh Regiment he was killed in action on 30-Aug-1918

He is buried in the Morval British Cemetery, in Pas de Calais.