John William Redshaw was born 24 August 1893 in Hull, England. He immigrated to Canada with his parents, brother Arthur and sisters Margaret and Olive. Later another sister Ivy, was born in Canada. He worked with his brother Arthur as a Teamster. He was also involved with the band of the Salvation Army in Lethbridge. He enlisted on 2 December 1915 with the 82nd Battalion. Upon arrival in France he was taken on strength with the 31st Battalion, where his brother was also serving. On 3 May 1917 he was reported missing in action. Two days later, his death was confirmed. He was reported to have been a German POW at the time of his death. His brother Arthur was also killed in action.