MINI BIO

John was working as a builder when he volunteered for the NZEF, Jun 15.  He embarked for the Middle East in Oct 15 where he joined 1st Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment and embarked for the Western Front.
He served with the battalion throughout 1916 and 1917, and the following year had reached the rank of sergeant.
Shortly after his VC action, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and travelled to Cambridge in England for officer training in Oct 1918. 
Wounded in Nov 18, within days of his return to the front. 
His service with the NZEF ended with his repatriation to NZ in 1919.
John remained involved with military life, serving in the Territorial Force until 1929, by which time he had reached the rank of Lieutenant. He was discharged due to his age and also for being unable to attend camp.
He later worked in Paeroa, becoming noted for his erratic behaviour which meant he found it difficult to gain employment. 
Undiagnosed at the time, it is thought that Grant suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder.

​

LONDON GAZETTE

No. 31034

26 November 1918

​​

For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Bancourt on the 1st September, 1918, when Serjeant in command of a platoon forming part of the leading waves of the battalion attacking the high ground to the east of Bancourt. On reaching the crest, it was found that a line of five enemy machine-gun posts offered a serious obstacle to further advance. Under point blank fire, however, the company advanced against these posts. When about twenty yards from the posts Sjt. Grant, closely followed by a comrade, rushed forward ahead of his platoon, and with great dash and bravery entered the centre post, demoralising the garrison and enabling the men of his platoon to mop up the position. In the same manner he then rushed the post on the left and the remaining posts were quickly occupied and cleared by his company. Throughout the whole operation on this and the two previous days Sjt. Grant displayed coolness, determination, and valour of the highest order, and set a splendid example to all.