Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of John Dalby, a labourer, born 1851 in Great Dalby, Leics., and his wife Catherine Dalby (nee Chester, married 1872), born 1852 in Long Clawson, Leics. John Thomas was born in 1881 in Leics., his siblings were, George, born 1878 and Florence, born 1880, the latter two siblings were both born in Cold Newton, Leics., Maud, born 1884 and Herbert, born 1888, the latter two siblings were both born in Great Dalby, Leics., in April 1891 the family home was at Ragdale, Leics. In March 1901 John was absent from the family home at Dalby Street, Great Dalby, Leics., residing there were his father, now a farm shepherd, his mother and siblings, George, a farm wagoner, Harry E., born 1892 in Ragdale, Leics., Fred, born 1894 and William, born 1897, the latter two siblings were both born in Great Dalby, Leics. In April 1911 John was still absent from the family home at Wild’s Cottage, Kirby Bellars, Leics., residing there was his father, now a farm labourer, his mother and siblings, George, a farm labourer, Herbert, a chief steward with the Royal Mail Marine Service and William, a farm boy. Note: The conflicting surname spelling of Dolby and Dalby appear in various documents.
On Friday June 18th 1915 The Melton Mowbray Times & Vale of Belvoir Gazette published the following article under the heading. “MELTON AND THE WAR.” – KILLED AT THE DARDANELLES. - Official information was received on Saturday that Pte. J. T. Dolby, of the 1st Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers had been killed in action at the Dardanelles. Pte. Dolby, who was in his 34th year, was a son of Mr. and Mrs J. Dolby Kirby Lodge, and was born at Great Dalby. He joined the Royal Munster Fusiliers ten years ago, and had spent seven years with his regiment in India when the war broke out. They formed part of the large Indian Expeditionary Force which came over a few months ago, and were billeted in Coventry for a time in order to become accustomed to the climate before being sent to the Dardanelles in February, being amongst the first troops to land there. Deceased who was a teetotaller and non smoker, was of a quiet disposition, and was greatly respected by all who knew him. He had previously taken part in an engagement on the Indian Frontier, and was awarded a medal. During the fortnight he stayed in Coventry he became engaged to a young lady whom he met there. One of his brothers Mr. Harry Ernest Dolby is engaged as chauffeur to Capt. R. H. Fagge, Melton Mowbray, and another brother, Pte. Herbert Dolby, was in the Honourable Artillery Company. Whilst training on Salisbury Plain, however, the latter met with a bad accident. His motor bicycle skidded and fell on top of him, breaking his arm and collar bone, and also inflicting internal injuries. He was discharged from the Army, and given a Government appointment in some engineering works in South Africa. Our Great Dalby correspondent writes:- Mr. and Mrs. J. Dolby, of Kirby Lodge, have received the sad news from the War Office that their son, Pte. John T. Dolby, of 1st Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, was killed in action on a date not known whilst serving with the Mediteranean Expeditionary Force. Pte. Dolby had been nine years in the “Munsters” and only last January arrived in England from India where he had served seven years. Obtaining a few days furlough, he was able to pay a short visit home before proceeding to the Dardanelles. He was 33 years of age, steady and regular in his habits, and well liked by all who knew him. Much sympathy is felt for his parents who are almost life long residents of Great Dalby.