Born at Prahran, Victoria, John Henry Farley was a grocer by trade. He enlisted in East Melbourne, and was killed in action on 1 July, 1916, France at Armentieres. While he listed his religion as Presbyterian, a rosary was among his effects, returned to his next of kin. Farley was originally sent to the Gallipoli Peninsula to the 8th reinforcements, 6th Battalion and disembarked at Mudros, Alexandria, on 27/12/1915. He was transferred to France in March 1916 to join the 2nd Reinforcements, 24th Battalion and killed in action on the Western Front on 1/7/1916. He was buried at X Farm Cemetery, Fermes Desplanque, Chapelle d'Armentieres, the same day. The Australian War Memorial has a photo of the cemetery and John Henry Farley's name is listed on the Roll of Honour, Panel 101. His mother received a Memorial Scroll and King's Message.

On 1 July, 1919, his family inserted two In Memorium notices in The Argus:

FARLEY: In fond memory of my beloved son, Private John Henry Farley, (No. 1784, 24th batt.) killed in France, July 1, 1916, loved brother of Alfred William (returned 24th Batt.) Beryl and Muriel. How sadly we miss him and will forever. (inserted by his sorrowing mother and sisters, 49 Clarke St., Prahran)

A further tribute followed from his brother Alfred, who had also served with the 24th Battalion and had been wounded in action three times. Two years later, his sister Muriel, now Mrs. Victor, named his first child John Henry Farley Victor.