Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Frederick and Ethel Acaster. In 1901 the family home was at 26, Rust Square, Camberwell, London, present were his father Frederick, a Public House Manager, born 1870 in Howdon, Yorkshire and his mother Ethel, a Public House Manageress, born 1873 in Scotland, John, born 1896 in Chelsea, Middlesex together with his brother and sister, Kitty, born 1888 and Fred, born 1899, both siblings were born in Chelsea, Middlesex. In 1911 John was an inmate, engaged as a Baker and part time Schoolboy residing at the Desford Industrial School, Desford, Leicestershire. Battn relieved by 1st MANCHESTER REGT. B and D Coys (billeted in houses in the RUE DES BERCEAUX) were relieved at 2.00pm. A and C Coys (in the front line and advanced posts) were relieved at 9.30pm. From the 5th to the 11th February both inclusive, continued work and improvements. Marched to billets at LA COUTURE.