John Whitmore Garratt was born at Dudley on the 23rd September 1867, son of Job Merchant Garratt (wealthy coalmaster and owner of New Hawne Colliery) and Annie Maria Garratt (nee Underhill). The family home was at 27 Queens Cross, Dudley.

After his schooling, John started a career in the Law and became a Solicitor.

On the 7th March 1885 he received a commission as an officer in the 1st Volunteer Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment, with the rank of Lieutenant.

On the 25th July 1892 he was awarded the Volunteer Officers' Decoration (V.D.)

Promoted to rank of Captain on the 28th January 1893.

He married Dorothy Evelyn Grainger at St. Thomas, Dudley, Worcestershire on the 30th April 1901. He continued his work as a solicitor. It is interesting to note that his younger sister Arabella Garratt married the brother of Dorothy, Arthur Claude Grainger at St. Marylebone, London in 1907.

On the 9th April 1904, he was promoted to Major and on the 17th November 1906 was granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

In April 1908 the 1st Volunteer Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment was re-designated and became the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment (Territorial Force).

On the 26th February 1910 was promoted to Lieut.-Colonel and took command of the 7th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, which he continued to command until 6th November 1914.

He then served as a Staff Officer and eventually went to France in May 1917 in a staff role.

Lieut.-Col. J. W. Barratt