John Rivers Greathead was born on 1 August 1895. He was the son of Dr John Baldwin Smithson Greathead M.B.Edin.,M.R.C.S., London and Ellen Annie Bubb.

He was educated in 1914 in Christs College, Cambridge and was a medical student.

He was Second Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, Rifle Brigade he joined in the summer of 1916 with commission.

He died on 23 October 1916 in Somme, Picardie, France, aged 21 killed in action. His mother was recorded as living in 97 Inverness Terrace, Paddington, London.

John was buried in Bancourt British Cemetery, Plot V D 7, Pas de Calais, France.