Although South Australian born, John Dunn Marshall and younger brother George, learnt their football as students in Perth and went on to become vital players for the Claremont club, especially after the war. John Marshall was one of eight ex-soldiers who played for Claremont in their all conquering 1923 season where they won all three trophies on offer and remained undefeated. So was his brother. “J. D. Marshall (right half back): Australian born and bred, a product of Claremont State School, and the best half back in his position in the State. Served his apprenticeship in junior ranks and graduated on his return from the war to his present position,” was how Nemo described him in The Western Chronicle at the end of the season.
John Marshall’s service in the war was highlighted with a Military Medal that he won during the Second Battle of Villers-Bretonneux. The Commonwealth Gazette recorded his actions: “On the night of the 24th/25th April 1918, in the counter-attack at VILLERS BRETONNEUX, this soldier showed conspicuous gallantry and coolness in handling his machine gun after his section officer and Sergeant had become casualties. Under a very heavy barrage of H.E. and machine gun fire he brought his gun into action and opened fire on the enemy with excellent results. Later on he mounted a German machine gun and with it greatly increased the strength of his position. He set a splendid example throughout.”
John Marshall was to lose his life in another war. By 1942, he was a civilian, and had moved to Rabaul in Papua New Guinea. Following the capture of Rabaul by the Japanese in February 1942 he was taken prisoner. He passed away on 29 August 1942 at the age of 47.