John was the tenth enrolled student at the School. He attended the School as a Boarder from 1924 to 1930 from Rylstone, NSW. Aged just nine years, in April 1924, he was the youngest player on the School’s first 1st XV. He continued with Rugby, playing in the 2nd and 3rd XV in his final year. He also played in the 1930 2nd XI and received colours. John also took part in Cadets, Drill, Debating and Public Speaking. He was awarded the Divinity Prize in 1928, sixth place in his Form in 1929 and 7th place in 1930.
After school, John attended Metropolitan Business College where he completed a course in Salesmanship and Sales Management. He worked for Beal and Co and then moved back to Rylstone as a stock and station agent. He enlisted in the Australian Army in 1940 and was a casualty of war in Papua New Guinea in 1942. His grave is located at the Bomana War Cemetery near Port Moresby and is visited by Knox students who walk the Kokoda Trail. He is remembered on the OKGA War Memorial.
Since 1944, the J M Riley Memorial Cup for 440 Yard Open Athletics Champion has been awarded in his honour. In 1946 the J M Riley Cup for Most Efficient NCO was also named in memorial. Both prizes are still awarded today. His name was honoured in the 1993 Honouring Service.
War Service
1940-1942
Australian Army NX28316
Major
36 Australian Infantry Battalion
John pictured in 1930 wearing the Cadet uniform of the time.
