John Turfrey was born in Surrey on 29 March 1948, the son of Mr & Mrs Turfrey (née Roffe). He joined the Royal Navy as an Artificer Apprentice in 1964. No details are currently available of ships & submarines served in as an Artificer. He was promoted to Sub Lieutenant (Special Duties) on 16 February 1981 and appointed to Royal Naval College, Greenwich for Post Promotion Courses, followed by the Royal Naval Engineering College, Manadon.

On completion of training, he was appointed to HMS WARSPITE as AMEO. John Turfrey, of Rhu, Dunbartonshire is reported to have died on 15 April 1983. The circumstances of his death are not yet established.