The only child born to farming parents in British Columbia, Canada, John Chester sold and moved from the family orchard after both his parents were killed in a fire. John took a job as a miner and quickly displayed an aptitude for explosives handling, often creating his own explosive solutions which earned him the nickname the “Smiling Bomber” among his fellow miners. When war broke out he joined up with his co-workers to enlist to fight overseas, where his background with explosives was noted and he received further training on bombs, explosives and disposal. During a joint mission between British and Canadian forces, Pvt. Chester’s talents were brought to the attention of the Mad Devils and he was recruited into their ranks.