Born the son of Anglo-Irish landed aristocracy, John Gort followed a classical career structure for his class. He was educated at Harrow and joined the army in 1905. He then studied at Sandhurst for the Grenadier Guards. By the time of The Great War he was a well established Captain. Not only did he survive the four years of the war but he fought with distinction being mentioned in despatches 9 times, decorated with the Military Cross, the DSO with 2 bars and even being awarded the highest medal for bravery: The Victoria Cross.

His distinguished military record and his impeccable royal connections ensured that he would rise steadily to the highest ranks of the army. He was made a full general in 1937, C-in-C of Imperial General Staff from 1937 to 1939. He was then C-in-C of the British Field Force from 1939 to 1940. In 1940 he was made A.D.C. to the King, a post he was to hold until 1944. He was made Governor and C-in-C of Gibraltar 1941 to 1942 when he was then transferred to Malta. Finally, he was made High Commissioner for Palestine and Transjordan in 1944. Although, illness would determine that he would only remain there for a year. He died in March, 1946.