John Robert Splatt was born in Ballarat, Victoria, was single and a Railway Employee when he enlisted with the 23rd Battalion, 6th Reinforcement on 21 July 1915 at the age of 25. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 27 October 1915. He was admitted to 1st Auxiliary Hospital on 4 January 1916 for synovitis of the knee and was discharged to duty the following month. According to his records he was wounded in action whilst serving in France on 6 August 1916, but they are unspecific on the nature of the wound. On 25 August 1917 he embarked aboard the HS A24 from England to Australia for change due to the synovitis of the knee.

His brother, Ln Corporal Thomas Splatt of the 4th Pioneer Battalion also served, returning to Australia 5 April 1919. (Tree No. 3287)
Tree No. 1727